Syracuse, N.Y. — Freshman cornerback Demetres Samuel Jr. has been named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Award, the Maxwell Club announced Wednesday.

The Alexander Award is annually presented to the nation’s best freshman.

Samuel ranks seventh in the FBS in pass coverage among cornerbacks with at least 300 coverage snaps, according to Pro Football Focus . He has formed a duo of the future for Syracuse with redshirt sophomore Chris Peal, who ranks second nationally.

Head coach Fran Brown and his staff have been intentional this season with allowing Samuel, a 17-year-old who graduated high school early to enroll in college, to fully grow as a cornerback rather than crowding his plate with wide receiver responsibilities.

Samuel has been the Orange’s primary defender on opposing

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