When the initial depth chart for the Syracuse Orange was revealed on Monday, many people were surprised to see some of the names that weren’t included. This afternoon, we got some information on why those names weren’t on the two-deep. The Athletic’s Matthew Gutierrez was first to tweet out that Abdul Adams, Jarveon Howard, and Tyrell Richards all decided to opt out of the 2020 college football season, according to a source.
Syracuse RBs and presumptive 1-2 punch Abdul Adams and Jarveon Howard, as well as LB Tyrell Richards, all have opted out of the 2020 season, source tells @TheAthleticCFB. They join DL Cooper Dawson in opting out.
Opportunities for Jawhar Jordan and Markenzy Pierre at RB.
— Matthew Gutierrez (@MatthewGut21) September 8, 2020
This is a big blow to Syracuse for the 2020 season, as Adams and Howard were expected to control the first and second spots on the depth chart at running back for the Orange. The duo were the leading rushers returning to SU, with a combined 673 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns between the pair. Both were expected to offset the loss of Moe Neal due to graduation.
Without Adams and Howard, Dino Babers turns to redshirt freshman Jawhar Jordan as his primary ball carrier for 2020. He showed flashes of brilliance throughout his allowed four games in 2019, particularly in the open field. His backup is redshirt junior Markenzy Pierre who only attempted 27 rushes in his first three seasons with the Orange.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].