The Syracuse Orange football team has been making headlines this season, particularly with the emergence of freshman defensive lineman KingJoseph Edwards. His remarkable debut against Holy Cross has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike about his potential impact on the team’s pass rush.
In the first four games of the season, the Syracuse defense has recorded a total of nine sacks. Impressively, three of those sacks came from Edwards, who achieved this feat in just twelve snaps during his first collegiate game. His performance not only showcased his talent but also highlighted the need for a stronger pass rush, an area where the Orange have struggled in previous seasons.
Edwards finished the game with an outstanding 84.2 PFF Pass Rusher Grade, the highest among his teammates and the second highest in the entire season, trailing only Fadil Diggs’s impressive Week 2 rating. The film reveals Edwards’s ability to disrupt plays effectively, as he demonstrated exceptional agility by shaking off blockers and reading the quarterback’s movements with precision.
Despite the team’s overall pass rush rating of 68.1 in 2023, which placed them 11th in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and 100th among all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams, Edwards’s introduction has already begun to shift the narrative. Prior to his debut, the unit struggled to maintain consistent pressure, with grades of 69.2, 67.9, and 65.7 in their first three games. However, after his standout performance, the team’s rating surged to 82.4, a significant jump that reflects the positive impact he has made.
As a result, Syracuse’s overall pass rush grade now sits at 77.7, placing them 4th in the ACC and 21st nationally. This improvement is crucial for a team looking to compete at a higher level, especially with defensive captain Marlowe Wax sidelined due to injury. While Fadil Diggs has been a key player in the defensive lineup, teams can easily adjust their game plans to counteract a single dominant blitzer.
Edwards, who weighs in at 225 lbs, is currently the lightest defensive lineman on the Syracuse roster. This unique build allows him to maneuver quickly and effectively, enabling him to dart off the edge and penetrate through gaps in the offensive line. His agility was particularly evident during his second sack against Holy Cross, where he showcased his ability to stop and start on a dime, further solidifying his role as a dynamic player on the field.
Moving forward, it’s essential for the coaching staff to incorporate Edwards into the defensive rotation. While Denis Jaquez has been a solid contributor, the addition of Edwards in specific situations could create opportunities for the Orange to apply fast and effective pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Given that the upcoming match features a quarterback who is still finding his footing, this could be an ideal moment to unleash Edwards’s potential.
As Syracuse continues to navigate the season, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on KingJoseph Edwards. His ability to contribute significantly to the pass rush could be a game-changer for the Orange, helping them elevate their defensive performance and overall competitiveness in the ACC. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how the coaching staff utilizes this promising talent in the weeks to come.
