Melifonwu Declares for NFL Draft
12/18/2020 6:57:00 PM | Football
Syracuse redshirt-junior cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu has elected to forgo a fifth year with the Orange and declared for the NFL Draft on Friday night.
"Syracuse has always felt like home to me since day one and I will never take that for granted," Melifonwu said as part of his announcement. "I want to thank Coach Babers and the entire Syracuse coaching staff from the past and present that have coached, mentored and helped me become the person I am today both on and off the field."
Melifonwu, one of the ACC's best corners, finished the 2020 season tied for sixth in the ACC in passes defended and fifth in the league in breakups (9). At 5.0 tackles per game, Melifonwu ranks third in the ACC among cornerbacks in tackles per game. Among all DBs he ranks 11th.
He and teammate Garrett Williams made up one of the best cornerback tandems in the nation this year as well. According to Pro Football Focus, the duo is the seventh-highest graded cornerback duo in the FBS.
Melifonwu is the third member of the Syracuse defensive backfield to declare for the draft, joining Andre Cisco and Trill Williams – who both declared after their seasons were cut short due to injury.
'Cuse will also get some players back though, as defensive linemen Kingsley Jonathan and Josh Black, as well as offensive tackle Airon Servais have all announced their intent to use their additional season of eligibility and return next season.
❤️ https://t.co/A7RtcTzXGo pic.twitter.com/XQVT2uAfvJ
— Ifeatu Melifonwu (@Ifeatu_Mel) December 18, 2020
"Syracuse has always felt like home to me since day one and I will never take that for granted," Melifonwu said as part of his announcement. "I want to thank Coach Babers and the entire Syracuse coaching staff from the past and present that have coached, mentored and helped me become the person I am today both on and off the field."
Melifonwu, one of the ACC's best corners, finished the 2020 season tied for sixth in the ACC in passes defended and fifth in the league in breakups (9). At 5.0 tackles per game, Melifonwu ranks third in the ACC among cornerbacks in tackles per game. Among all DBs he ranks 11th.
Moment of Clarity ... #NFL pic.twitter.com/Lz4J141eZe
— Ifeatu Melifonwu (@Ifeatu_Mel) December 18, 2020
He and teammate Garrett Williams made up one of the best cornerback tandems in the nation this year as well. According to Pro Football Focus, the duo is the seventh-highest graded cornerback duo in the FBS.
Melifonwu is the third member of the Syracuse defensive backfield to declare for the draft, joining Andre Cisco and Trill Williams – who both declared after their seasons were cut short due to injury.
'Cuse will also get some players back though, as defensive linemen Kingsley Jonathan and Josh Black, as well as offensive tackle Airon Servais have all announced their intent to use their additional season of eligibility and return next season.
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