Tucker and Jones Named Phil Steele Preseason All-Americans

Two Syracuse stars were named to Phil Steele’s Preseason All-America Team, as Mikel Jones and Sean Tucker were each selected by the publication for the honor.

Just 16 schools are more represented than the Orange’s two selections in the FBS, and Syracuse’s pair of honorees ranks tied for fourth in the ACC with Miami. Both Tucker and Jones earned third team honors.

Tucker – who was a first or second team All-American last year from all-but-one of the All-American teams that comprise the consensus All-America team in 2021 – returns after shattering the program’s all-time rushing record. His 1,496 rushing yards broke a 42-year-old record, held by Joe Morris, to now sit atop the SU leaderboard. A semifinalist for the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards, Tucker finished 2021 with the fourth-most rushing yards per game (124.7), fifth-most all-purpose yards per game (145.9) and was the top offensive vote getter on the All-ACC team.

Jones, the captain of the ‘Cuse defense, earned First Team All-ACC accolades in 2021 and was also on the Butkus Award Watch List. His 110 tackles was second in the conference and his 60 solo stops was the league’s best. According to ESPN Advanced Stats, he was also the league’s third-best tackler at 92.9 percent. Jones was also selected to the PFF and AP All-ACC teams. The Orange’s linebacking corps will be one of the best in the nation on paper in 2022, with a unit that features three players with at least three years of starting experience, including Stefon Thompson and Marlowe Wax.

Tucker and Jones will lead one of the most experienced teams in recent memory, as the Orange return 17-of-22 starters from a year ago. Season tickets – which start at just $99 – for one of the most anticipated home schedules in recent memory are on sale now! Visit Cuse.com/Tickets or call 888-DOME-TIX to be part of the action. Group Tickets are also on sale, visit Cuse.com/Groups for more information.

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