Q and A with Syracuse Football Beat Writer Stephen Bailey
I had a chance to chat with 247Sports Orange football insider Stephen Bailey. The topic? That Sean Tucker guy who is running wild again this year. Tucker has a chance at some monster numbers at season’s end and is one of the most prolific running backs in school history, which is saying something considering who came before him through the years. Let’s get into it. 
ML: When Sean Tucker runs the football, what do you see? How would you describe it?
SB: Tucker has a well-rounded game featuring plus speed, change of direction and vision. He’s comfortable getting downhill early or bouncing outside and waiting for blocks to develop on the perimeter. Perhaps his greatest strength as a runner: the straight-line speed that he’s harnessed from his time on the track. Tucker was a high school star and went back to the sport last winter as part of SU’s indoor team.
ML: Where does he currently stand in Syracuse history at the running back position?
SB: Tucker is inching his way up the program leaderboard with more than 2,300 career rushing yards. He’s got a chance to climb as high as second this year with only Joe Morris (4299) out of realistic reach.
Qualitatively, one way that Tucker is differentiating himself this year is via the passing game. Under new offensive coordinator Robert Anae, he’s being featured far more frequently as a receiver, currently leading the team in receptions through two contests. He’s also worked to sharpen up his pass protection, helping give Garrett Shrader the time he’s needed to perform as arguably the nation’s most efficient quarterback.
ML: Would you pull down #44 and give it to Tucker?
SB: Tucker said earlier this year that he’s not interested in the historic jersey number. He wants to carve out his own legacy – a decision that could make NIL life easier as he and merchandising partners look to sell jerseys, T-shirts, etc.
ML: Is Tucker a legit NFL prospect?
SB: Tucker’s draft stock is rising early this fall, though he’s not listed in any spaces as a Day 1 option. With a strong season, particularly in terms of displaying his versatility, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the All-American go late in Day 2. Cornerback Garrett Williams is listed by most services as SU’s top pro prosect ahead of the 2023 draft.
ML: What do you project his final numbers to be in 2022?
SB: In terms of a regular season projection (12 games), I think 1,200 rushing yards and a dozen touchdowns – his current pace – seems about right. Syracuse is simply throwing the ball more under Anae.
Tucker is also on pace for about 600 receiving yards and another six scores so it wouldn’t be out of the question to see him push 2,000 total yards. SU will need to find more ways to put Tucker in explosive opportunities if he wants to chase down single-season records like he did in the team’s one-dimensional offense from a year ago.
ML: Thanks for doing this. Keep crushing.
SB: Thanks Mike.
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