Syracuse Football: Ron Thompson Lone Orange on Phil Steele's Preseason All-ACC Team

Phil Steele released his annual Preseason All-ACC Team list and only one Syracuse Orange player made the cut, defensive end Ron Thompson. Thompson made Steele's defensive 4th team.

Last season Steele featured five Syracuse players on his list including defensive gurus Durell Eskridge, Dyshawn Davis and Cameron Lynch. All five players that made Steele's Preseason All-ACC in 2014 won't play a down for Syracuse this season.

This season, Thompson figures to anchor the Syracuse defense and has the potential to lead the team in sacks. As one of the better athletes on the roster, Thompson was good for 32 tackles last season and displayed how great of an edge rusher he was.

The defense carried the weight for Syracuse football in 2014 thanks to a senior heavy defensive line. As the only notable returning starter, Thompson will have much more responsibility as a junior.

The case could be made for Riley Dixon to have been on Steele's special teams list as well.

Syracuse will kickoff the season on September 4th in the Carrier Dome against Rhode Island.