by Mike Held
Remember back on that night in April, when we were all really excited when Chandler Jones was drafted 21st overall by the Patriots? Yeah, great for the program and all that jazz, but we all overlooked one thing: the effect it has on Syracuse for this year. Syracuse has to replace a their star DE, but luckily there are a number of options. Here’s a quick look at them.
Deon Goggins
Not only do I already love him for his sweet name (go ahead, say it. It’s fun.), but Goggins was a solid threat from the line in 2011, and he should only improve in 2012. Goggins knows how to play ball. Coming out of JuCo on the west coast, Goggins (really can’t get enough of that last name) chose the Orange over both Baylor and Washington State. In 2011, Goggins, in his first season wearing the Orange and Blue, recorded 1.5 sacks, 43 tackles with several of them being for a loss.
We know Goggins will play well, it’s inevitable. The main question mark is whether he can become a mentor to the younger players of a very young line. After losing two great starters, Goggins becomes a leader of the defensive. Can he live up to this new role? We’ll find out.
Donnie Simmons
This guy once played in high school. He’s yet to play in college. He redshirted for the Orange last season. With the holes left by seniors, Simmons does have a chance to show himself to Doug Marrone and the rest of the coaches. The good news about Simmons: He’s a freak. Not only can he tackle, sack and break offensive lines, he is fast too. Also cool about Simmons? He won the “starting job” in the post spring depth chart. This probably won’t hold up, but don’t be stunned if you see Mr. Simmons out on the field during the season.
Jay Bromley
Bromley can play, which is important. According to his Syracuse bio, he’s majoring in Z. Not sure where that major is located. But Bromley is a good player whose stats have improved over the past two years. He was up to 18 tackles last season, added a sack and a half, and had 5 tackles for a loss.
Brom is no Chandler Jones, but he’s still a rock. He’ll be a strong presence for the Orange in the trenches all season long, barring any injuries. Since he’s only a junior, he’s still got another couple of years to develop into a strong, great player for the Orange.
Zian Jones
Another JuCo man brought in by Doug Marrone (sensing a theme? I sure am.) This guy is going to be good. Not just Syracuse good, we’re talking GOOD. He’s big, which is something that Syracuse was totally lacking on the line. He had 4 sacks last season in JuCo. I really like Jones’ potential. If he’s anything like his cousin, Chandler, he’ll be a well needed addition to the line corps.
GO D-LINE GO!
UPDATE:
Markus Pierce-Brewster
Yet ANOTHER JuCo defensive lineman, MPB spent the last two years at City College of San Fransisco, where he was an absolute animal. He is a 6'3" 230lb speed rusher that has the athletic ability and skill set to wreak havoc in opponents' backfields. His immediate eligibility is in question, but he is still listed on the official SU Football roster.
Coach Marrone is very high on him, so (if eligible), I would expect to see him on the field, wreaking havoc in the backfield right away. When asked to sum up his own game, he gave a pretty simple response.
"I'm a pass rusher. I'm a speed guy"
John Raymon
Raymon recently enrolled at SU after transferring from Iowa. While it's expected that he'll have to sit out this season in accordance with NCAA transfer rules, we're not 100% sure at the moment. The NCAA is still reviewing an appeal that he recently filed.
If he's found eligible, I'd expect Raymon to see some snaps as a strong-side defensive end in 2012. If not, the 4-star recruit will have three years of eligibility remaining when he begins his Orange career in 2013.
Replacing Chandler Jones won't be easy, but this unit has some talent. It'll be interesting to see if Goggins, Bromley, & company can piece together a solid defensive line.
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