The countdown has definitely featured plenty of athletes from the past decade, but today the countdown turns towards the past. Mark and Erik turn their sights on one of the best pass rushers in SU football history and arguably the best lacrosse player the Orange has ever seen.
3. Dwight Freeney – SU Football (1998-2001)
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Dwight Freeney… spin move.
Not since Deacon Jones’ head-slap has a single move been associated with one defensive lineman. That move, combined with his quickness and speed propelled Freeney in SU-lore and probably a future NFL hall-of-fame spot.
Even though Freeney’s SU-career began in the late 90’s he burst onto the scene in the year 2000. Dwight saw his sack-total jump from 3.5 to 13, which led the Big East. His junior season earned him unanimous all-conference first team honors. But it was one game in particular that showed Freeney was a forced to be reckoned with nationally.
October 21st, 2000… the 2nd ranked Virginia Tech Hokies came to town, led by future number one overall pick Michael Vick. Vick, who would lead Va Tech to the national title game later in the season, had his first real struggle of the year. He threw for only 75 yards, and rushed for just nine, as Freeney sacked the superstar a program record 4.5 times in the game. Syracuse would fall 22-14, but Freeney and the Orange would use that effort to propel themselves to a great 2001 season.
That senior year is where Freeney cemented himself as an SU-great. His 17.5 sacks that year is still a program record. Freeney earned consensus first-team all-American honors and was selected co-Big East Defensive player of the year. The team won ten games, including the 2001 InSight.com Bowl in Phoenix.
Later that Spring, Freeney heard his named called as the 11th overall selection to the Indianapolis Colts. His pro career exceeding his college achievement, as the seven-time pro bowler, and member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade team, won Super Bowl XLI with the Colts.
No matter what level, and no matter how big the game, Dwight Freeney proved he belonged.
Freeney’s Resume
- Two-Time All-Big East First Team Selection
- Consensus All-American in 2001
- Program Record 17.5 Sacks in 2001
- 17 Straight Games with a Sack
- Program Record 4.5 Sacks vs. VT in 2000 (vs. Michael Vick)
- Second All-Time at SU with 34 Sacks
- Set NCAA Record with 11 Forced Fumbles and Fumble Recoveries in 2001
- Drafted 11th Overall in 2001
- Seven-Time Pro Bowler
- Three-Time All-Pro
- Led NFL in Sacks in 2004
- Member of NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- In the Colts Ring of Honor
- Won Super Bowl XLI
2. Mikey Powell – SU Men’s Lacrosse (2001-04)
Anyone that executes a full front flip while cradling the ball during a game would have to be included in any list of top athletes. But our No. 2 athlete, Mike Powell, is near the top of our list of the Top 21 SU athletes of the 21st century for more than just his acrobatic skills.
“Mikey” not only surpassed both of his older brothers to become the top point-scorer in program history (by 20 points!), he also helped the Orange win two NCAA championships and extend SU’s streak of consecutive Final Four appearances to 22---matching the iconic uniform number he wore so well.
He is also the only Syracuse lacrosse player to be named a First Team All-American four years in a row, something not even the great Gary Gait can lay claim to.
Powell is also the only player in NCAA history to win the Jack Turnbull Award as the nation’s top attackman four years in a row. He was also a four-time finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy, winning it twice.
When his storied college career was over, Mikey was the first overall pick of the 2004 MLL Draft but delayed his pro career a year to pursue one as a musician. He came back to the game in 2005, teamed up with Gait to win the league championship and was the All-Star Game MVP.
So why isn’t Mikey No. 1? Probably because he didn’t score a goal after “The Flip.”
Powell’s Resume
- SU All-Time Points Leader (307)
- SU 4th in Assists (157), 6th in Career Goals (150)
- Two-Time Tewaaraton Trophy Winner (2002, 2004)
- 4-Time First Team All-American
- 1st Overall Pick of 2004 MLL Draft