Cuse TV: Defensive Backs Preview

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Nine days remain until the Syracuse University football team takes the field for the first time in 2016. Syracuse opens the year against Colgate on Friday, Sept. 2 in the Carrier Dome. Leading up to the season opener, Cuse TV is breaking down the Orange position groups. In the latest position preview, we look at the defensive backs.

Syracuse returns both starting safeties and three cornerbacks who received extensive work with the first unit a year ago. Junior free safety Antwan Cordy leads the way after finishing second on the team in tackles behind junior linebacker Zaire Franklin in 2015. Cordy notched 68 stops on the year, while setting a program single-season record for most tackles for a loss by a defensive back (12).

"Everything has gone great," Cordy said. "It has been a great camp for all of us. It's been great seeing everybody doing what they have been doing. It's been a great camp and we are really looking forward to the first game."

Redshirt junior cornerback Corey Winfield might be the team's most physically-gifted player. Winfield started eight games in 2015, but missed the last four contests due to injury. He recorded 30 tackles and tied for the team lead with two interceptions, including one he ran back for a touchdown against Rhode Island.

In addition to Winfield, Juwan Dowels and Cordell Hudson both started five games at corner in 2015. Both players finished with more than 40 tackles, and Dowels paced the Orange with six passes defended.

"We have really improved over the time we have had in camp, so far," Hudson said. "We came out every day trying to improve on something. We have done a really good job coming out."

Kielan Whitner led all Orange true freshmen with 33 tackles last year. Whitner saw his role increase as last season went along. The Lawrenceville, Ga. product logged a career-nine tackles at Louisville.

"Last year playing, I got my feet wet in college football," Whitner said. "I know what to expect now. This year, I want to make sure my fundamentals are better, fly around, and give this team a chance to win."

Cornerback Wayne Morgan and safeties Rodney Williams and Chauncey Scissum are three more experienced players in the defensive backfield. Morgan has played in more than 40 games since arriving on campus in 2012. Williams made five starts last season before being slowed by an injury. Scissum filled in last year when Williams went down and posted 43 tackles (27 solo).

Check out the two videos to hear from Cordy, Hudson, and Whitner on the Syracuse defensive backs heading into the 2016 campaign starter against the Raiders.

For complete coverage of Syracuse and Syracuse football, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange & Syracuse Football), Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseFootball), Instagram (@Cusepics, @CuseFootball) and watch exclusive video content on Cuse TV.

Syracuse University Athletics

Related News

Players Mentioned

Antwan Cordy

Juwan Dowels

Zaire Franklin

Cordell Hudson

Wayne Morgan

Chauncey Scissum

Kielan Whitner

Rodney Williams

Corey Winfield

Related Videos