Syracuse, N.Y.-- As week three of Syracuse Football training camp comes to a close the defensive line is seeing significant strides as a unit. A group that came into the season with some question marks is determined to prove doubters wrong that they can be the anchor of a talented SU defense.
Caleb Okechukwu and Kevon Darton have taken the reigns as leaders for the d-line, with a combined 68 games played under their belts. Both players are also coming off their best seasons at Syracuse, earning accolades that made it a seamless transition into their leadership roles.
Okechukwu racked up a team-high seven sacks starting in all 13 games for the Orange, making him the Tim Green Award recipient for the program’s top defensive lineman. Darton had 11 starts at nose tackle, picking up 54 tackles in the trenches to become the defense’s most improved player.
Defensive coordinator Rocky Long’s 3-3-5 scheme is dependent on controlling the line of scrimmage in the run game and pressuring the quarterback in passing situations. Okechukwu and Darton like where the d-line is at for Syracuse to return as a top-25 defense in the nation.
“I'm definitely pleased. A lot of young guys are stepping up and learning the playbook fast. That's really good because at the end of the day, we can't play the whole game, and we're gonna need them to come in and sit back and take snaps towards the back end of games,” Okechukwu said.
“I think we’re where we want to be right now. We're playing physical with the best effort every day,” Darton said.
With many new additions to the defensive line, Okechukwu and Darton understand that there are growing pains for freshmen and transfers. Players like Alabama transfer Braylen Ingraham, along with first-year guys Ty Gordon and Rashard Perry, have developed nicely over the last few weeks.
“I think it's always hard to be a young guy coming into fall camp. With the young guys, you got to be positive. They got to make a few mistakes the first fall camp, so you always got to stay positive so they're in the right mindset on the field,” Darton said.
As the defensive line continues to improve, that level of aggression and intensity has translated to other defensive groups. The secondary and linebackers have upped their tenacity in full-team periods to create a more cohesive unit.
“ I love seeing the backend guys coming up and hitting. Guys like Jason Simmons Jr., Isaiah Johnson, and Justin Baron are playing aggressive, so I love when I see that,” Okechukwu said.
To end his media session, Okechukwu, who is known for his larger-than-life personality, laughed when asked if his stylish yellow receiver gloves would be worn during the season.
“I’m feeling the swag right now, but I don’t really know yet. I gotta see how I feel because I’m pretty superstitious, so if I don’t get any sacks in these then they’re done,” Okechukwu said.
So keep an eye out for the sixth-year edge rusher’s accessories on the field during the season opener against Colgate on September 2nd. Syracuse will have a closed practice tomorrow morning and Sunday off.
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