Orange defense ‘looks strong’ says former Syracuse LB Jake Flaherty

SU-Rutgers
Sep 11, 2021; Syracuse, New York, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Noah Vedral (0) is sacked by Syracuse Orange defensive lineman Cody Roscoe (18) during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Syracuse is playing in a bellwether game on Friday evening against Liberty, and to get a snapshot of the state of the team, we checked in with former Syracuse linebacker Jake Flaherty in this week’s The Juice on the Cuse Podcast, presented by SNY.tv.

Flaherty played in all 47 games during his career and was captain of the defense as a senior in 2008. Speaking from that standpoint, he likes what he sees from a stingy defense that’s allowed just 16.7 points per game through three games.

“The defense looks strong,” Flaherty said. “Tony White is putting them in a position to succeed.”

Flaherty was particularly impressed with true freshman cornerback Duce Chestnut, who has exploded on the scene as a starter, and quickly established himself as one of the team’s most reliable defenders. He was given the game ball after his debut against Ohio where he finished with eight tackles, a team high five solo tackles, an interception and a pass breakup.

Flaherty, of course, also likes what he sees from the group of linebackers led by Mikel Jones, and the defensive front which accounted for 14 TFLs in a 62-24 win over FCS Albany.

That win, Flaherty says, was also critical for the offense in establishing its identity.

“I love that we’re establishing a run game with Sean Tucker,” Flaherty said, complimenting Tucker’s five TD performance against the Great Danes.

While Syracuse struggled last season, going 1-10, and looked lost in a 17-7 loss to Rutgers, Flaherty and the rest of the alumni base have remained supportive of head coach Dino Babers.

Jake Flaherty
Former Syracuse linebacker Jake Flaherty

“All alumni want nothing more than to be in a bowl game in Florida come January,” Flaherty said. “We know Coach Babers can get it done, and we’ve seen him get it done before.”

» Related: Former Syracuse football, lacrosse players form tech startup Terzo

These days, Flaherty works in business development at Terzo, a new software platform that allows suppliers and customers to collaborate on tasks like managing contracts, tracking goals or evaluating opportunities.

Working at Terzo has been especially impactful for Flaherty because of the company’s strong Syracuse connections. Terzo’s CEO, Brandon Card, is a former Syracuse linebacker who played with Flaherty at SU. Co-founder Al Giocondi is a former Syracuse lacrosse midfielder, and among the investors includes former SU linebacker Rich Scanlon.

“It comes full circle to be working with people that you’ve gone to battle with in football,” Flaherty said. “There’s more of an emotional investment when you’re approaching business because these are teammates, these are people you don’t want to let down.”

Afterward, editor in chief Brad Bierman calls in to preview Syracuse’s week 4 matchup against Liberty.

Catch up on all episodes of “The Juice on the Cuse Podcast,” a Syracuse Orange podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more Syracuse coverage, Like our Facebook page, follow us @TheJuiceOnline and listen to our podcast.

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About Wes Cheng 2907 Articles
Wes has worked for Rivals.com covering the New York Knicks, as well as for Scout.com covering Syracuse athletics. Wes has also been a contributing writer for the South China Morning Post (Hong Kong), for SportsNet New York (SNY) as a news desk writer covering all of New York professional sports, and reported on the NBA and MLB for the New York Sportscene. A native of Long Island, New York, Wes graduated from Syracuse University in 2005 with a degree in journalism. Contact him at wes[at]sujuiceonline.com.