Sean Tucker Declares For NFL Draft, Opts Out of Bowl Game

Syracuse star running back Sean Tucker is headed to the NFL and will not play in the Pinstripe Bowl, he announced on Instagram. Tucker leaves the Orange with 3,182 rushing yards (third all time in program history) and 27 rushing touchdowns. He set the single season rushing yards record in 2021 with 1,496 yards. 

Tucker signed with Syracuse as part of the Orange's 2020 recruiting class out of Calvert Hall College in Maryland. He picked SU over offers from Rutgers, Wisconsin and several non power five opportunities. Tucker quickly established himself as a playmaker during his true freshman season, becoming the starter just four games in. Tucker ran for 626 yards, the third most for a true freshman at SU. 

The 2021 campaign was Tucker's breakout year on the national stage. He set the single season rushing record at Syracuse with 1,496 yards, which finished sixth in the nation. He was a near consensus All American for his tremendous season, which set expectations extraordinarily high for 2022. 

While the team enjoyed more success this season, Tucker's productivity took a slight step back. He still had a tremendous year, rushing for 1,060 yards, averaging over five yards per carry and rushing for 11 touchdowns. Tucker will not focus on the professional ranks will be one of the most discussed running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft class.