On Mondays over the summer, The Juice Online is going to highlight individual players on the 2014 Syracuse football team. This week, we’re profiling linebacker Cameron Lynch.
Syracuse’s 2013 defense was one of extremes.
In seven games, SU held its opponent to less than 20 points. In three of those games (Wagner, Wake Forest and Maryland), the Orange stifled the opposing offense to three points or less.
On the flip side, the Orange defense also allowed Florida State, Northwestern and Clemson to average 54.3 points. That led to SU surrendering 330 points last year, which balanced out to 25.4 points per game, good for 56th in the NCAA.
Syracuse linebacker Cameron Lynch wants to see more consistency across the board, and he laid out his plan on accomplishing that goal at ACC Kickoff in July.
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“We cut (the number of points allowed) down by making fewer mistakes,” Lynch said. “Last year there were a lot of blown coverages, lots of he said, she said. Now as a whole team cutting down on mistakes and making sure we play assignment football. It’s our second year in the ACC, second year behind Coach (Chuck) Bullough as a defense.”
Another part of that plan will be for Lynch to become even more involved in the defense.
Last season, Lynch finished with 69 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions. If Syracuse wants to be successful this season, Lynch will need to rack up more sacks, especially with Jay Bromley (a team-leading 10 sacks in 2013) playing in the NFL.
“If you lose a third-round draft pick defensive tackle, what you do is during passing downs you get in the Okie and you just blitz more,” Lynch said. “Have somebody cover up the middle, have the same defensive ends that we’ve had all year and blitz the linebackers more.”
All of that has Lynch excited for the season.
“This year is going to be very special,” Lynch said. “I can’t wait for it.”
Inside slant: Lynch and fellow linebacker Dyshawn Davis (2.5 sacks in 2013) should be in the backfield more this year now that Syracuse has implemented the Okie package (three defensive linemen and five defensive backs). While Lynch may not get to 10 sacks, he will definitely be featured more this season.
Vitals:
- Birthdate: August 1993
- Hometown: Lawrenceville, Ga.
- High School: Brookwood HS
- Position: Linebacker
- Class: Senior
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 231 lbs
Career highlights: In the Texas Bowl, Lynch recorded eight tackles, including two for a loss and a forced fumble. He has appeared in each game since his freshman year, and started all 13 games for SU in 2013. He’s also been on the Spring 2013, Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
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