As the 2022 season rapidly approaches, it’s fair to wonder how exactly each individual player on the Syracuse roster will perform over the year.
I’ve decided to put out stat predictions based on an optimistic yet reasonable assumption for each player, should they play a full slate of games. That means no injuries are accounted for, and each player plays at or above their expected level.
Also, without a final depth chart released, we’ll be using my projected starters for this exercise. Last week, I did my projected stats for the defense. We conclude today with the offensive side of the ball.
- “INT”- Interceptions
- “REC”- Receptions
- “YDS”- Yards
- “ATT”- Rush attempts
- “TD”- Touchdowns
QUARTERBACK
QB Garrett Shrader– an above average rushing talent at the position, Shrader was fourth in the nation in rushing yards for a quarterback and has a chance to lead in that category this year if the coaching staff leans on that side of his game. Still has work to do throwing the ball but a year of experience under center should help in that area.
- 2021 Stats: 123-of-234(52.6%) 1,444 YDS, 9 TDs, 4 INT
173 ATT, 781 YDS, 14 TDs - 2022 Prediction: 175-of-301(58%) 2,105 YDS, 18 TDs, 9 INT
165 ATT, 640 YDS, 8 TDs
RECEIVERS
WR Courtney Jackson– the best receiver on the team last year, Jackson spent the majority of his snaps in the slot and figures to play there again this year. He doesn’t have a large frame but has great short area quickness and those soft hands that the coaching staff loves.
- 2021 Stats: 37 REC, 389 YDS, 3 TDs
4 ATT, 23 YDS - 2022 Prediction: 60 REC, 785 YDS, 6 TDs
WR Anthony Queeley– starting outside receiver with good speed, a strong build, and a good contested catch rate in limited snaps. Struggled with drops, but should get more usage overall in offensive coordinator Robert Anae’s new system.
- 2021 Stats: 15 REC, 222 YDS, 2 TDs
- 2022 Prediction: 45 REC, 560 YDS, 3 TDs
WR Damien Alford– my bet to have a breakthrough year, Alford has a huge frame and speed to separate from corners downfield. SU’s best deep threat and yards-after-catch player. Should be the biggest beneficiary of Anae’s new system.
- 2021 Stats: 13 REC, 249 YDS, 2 TDs
- 2022 Prediction: 40 REC, 600 YDS, 6 TDs
TE Maximilian Mang– the tight end position hasn’t been used much but Anae could change that, and has a big target to throw to in Mang. Will most likely be used simply as a blocker.
- 2021 Stats: 1 REC, 12 YDS
- 2022 Prediction: 10 REC, 70 YDS, 1 TD
» Related: 2022 game-by-game predictions for Syracuse football
RUNNING BACK
RB Sean Tucker– the best player on the team, Tucker will be the heart and soul of what should be a very productive offense. Perfect running back size; great feet, vision, tackle breaking ability; and the speed to pull away for long touchdowns, Tucker has it all and should once again be one of the top offensive players in the country overall.
- 2021 Stats: 246 ATT, 1496 YDS, 12 TDs
20 REC, 255 YDS, 2 TDs - 2022 Prediction: 232 ATT, 1380 YDs, 16 TDs
15 REC, 175 YDS, 2 TDs
BONUS- KICKER
While the kicker is technically a special teams player there won’t be a need for a special teams stat prediction article, and the kicker typically leads most offenses in points, so I’ll include him here.
- “FG”- Field Goal
- “PAT”- Point After Touchdown
K Andre Szmyt– though he has a big, accurate leg Szmyt is coming off of two consecutive down years after he burst onto the scene as the first Syracuse player to win the Lou Groza award for kicking. A more efficient and productive offense should lead to more- and easier- field goal attempts, giving him a shot to get his name back in the conversation for best kicker in the country.
- 2021 Stats: 9-of-14(64%) FG, 36-of-38(94.7%) PAT
- 2022 Prediction: 19-of-21(90%) FG, 33-of-36(91.6%) PAT
For more Syracuse coverage, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and listen to our podcast.
