Impact players Barron and Diggs set standard for Syracuse defense

Syracuse is looking to Justin Barron and Fadil Diggs to lead the Orange defense in 2024.

As Syracuse football passes the midway point of preseason camp, the defense stands out as a unit ready to shine. While some position groups are still finding their footing and struggling with depth, the defense remains the backbone of the team, anchored by a strong tradition and a head coach who knows defensive football inside and out. After four losing seasons in the last five years, Syracuse is counting on its defense to lead the charge this year, with two key players set to play crucial leadership roles: veteran safety Justin Barron and transfer defensive end Fadil Diggs.

Head Coach Fran Brown, formerly the defensive backs coach at Georgia, has made it clear that his defensive philosophy is built around winning at the line of scrimmage. That's where Fadil Diggs comes into the picture. Standing at 6'5", Diggs brings the perfect blend of size, speed, and aggression to Syracuse's defensive front. A two-time captain at Texas A&M, Diggs arrives in Syracuse with not just raw talent but also the leadership qualities that make him an immediate impact player. His presence is expected to elevate the entire defense, and with his younger brother, Fatim Diggs, also on the roster, Fadil's leadership by example will be crucial for the Orange.

The Orange's co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, Coach Wright, says Fadil Diggs has quickly established himself as a leader on the defense. Despite being a transfer, his poise and experience are already inspiring the younger players on the team.

"You know, Fadil was at Texas A&M with us, so he has a good idea of what this defense needs to look like," Wright said. "And the main thing is: living up to the standard. Then the young guys will see that. More than anything you can tell them [younger players], that speaks volumes."

Diggs has quickly become a role model, setting the bar high and showing the younger guys how it's done. Just as pivotal for the Orange's success, Justin Barron returns as a cornerstone for the secondary. Following the coaching changes, Barron nearly entered the transfer portal, but after a pivotal conversation with Coach Brown, he decided to stay. Brown recognized Barron's critical role and the respect he commands within the defense, making it clear that losing a player of his caliber was not an option. Barron acknowledges the high expectations Coach Brown has for him as a leader of the defense.

"Coach Fran's put a lot of pressure on me to become more vocal. He's really made it a focal point for me to step up in that role and lead this defense, both on and off the field," Barron said. This challenge to become a more vocal leader has resonated with Barron, who is embracing his expanded role with confidence and determination.

In 2023, Barron was the highest-graded safety in the ACC according to PFF, and one of only eight safeties to achieve a 75+ grade in Run Defense, Coverage, and Pass Rush. His 90 tackles last season were the most by a Syracuse defensive back in over 25 years. Barron's standout stats from last year underscore his impact: whenever he's on the field, productivity spikes. During preseason camp, the coaching staff has ensured Barron is featured prominently, getting plenty of reps. Barron's versatility—whether he's playing deep in coverage or stepping up into the box— makes him a key asset to the Orange's defensive plans.

Barron's impact goes beyond the stats, though. Reflecting on his decision to stay with the Orange this season, Barron notes that he wouldn't want to be playing anywhere else.

"Being developed by these coaches—some of the best in the country—made staying here an easy decision. It's been rewarding to grow under their leadership," Barron said. His commitment to the program has been evident as he continues to develop in his leadership role.

"I've grown into a pretty comfortable role, even through winter and spring, and I'm excited to keep building on that this season," Barron said.

As a team captain and vocal leader, Barron's presence will be essential as the Orange navigate the challenges of the upcoming schedule. Barron is aware of the high expectations for the defense this season. He manages to tune out the external noise by focusing on the present, especially during camp.

"Well, we're here all day, right? We don't really have that much free time to be on our phones or social media. So being here with our brothers, just hanging out—it makes it easier to turn it all off," Barron said.

He emphasized the importance of camaraderie in helping him maintain his focus; "At the end of the day, it comes down to what we do on the field. Being here with our brothers makes it easier to tune out distractions."

With Coach Brown at the helm and leaders like Barron and Diggs on the field, Syracuse's defense is primed to be a force this season. If the defense can live up to its potential, it could be
the key to turning the tide and bringing Syracuse back to its winning ways.