Louisville football: Three Syracuse players to watch

Mikel Jones, Linebacker

Mikel Jones is the biggest playmaker on the Syracuse team without a doubt. The only twist is that he plays defense.

Jones, a former IMG Academy product out of Hialeah, Florida, has been everywhere for the Orange this season as a true sophomore.

He has racked in 56 total tackles, three interceptions, five quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

That’s filling up the stat sheet no matter how you slice it.

But he isn’t just a stat-sheet demon. He is really a fantastic football player that is shining bright on one of the power five’s worst teams. Jones is a natural in coverage and when he comes downhill, he is looking to deliver a huge blow to ball carriers despite being just 6’1″ 230-pounds.

Hassan Hall is making his first start in his Louisville career after Javian Hawkins opted out for the remainder of the 2020 college football season. Hall has not played in over a month for the Cardinals and he will have to go head-to-head with Jones on Friday. That’s a battle to keep an eye on

I am intrigued to see how well Jones does against the high-flying Louisville offense and what kind of plays he will make against a very turnover-prone Louisville offense. Jones has had five takeaways this year all by himself from his linebacker spot.

He wears No. 13 for the Orange and you will likely notice him making an impact very early on in this game.