SWC75
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Offensive Line
Seniors: Airon Servais 6-6 300, (from 309, he had been 273 in 2019 and 292 in 2018)
Juniors: Dakota Davis 6-5 327 (was 325); Darius Tisdale 6-5 300 (was 6-4 342)
Sophomores: Matthew Bergeron 6-5 315, (was 6-4 312), Chris Bleich 6-6 320 (was 332), Jakob Bradford 6-5 295, Wil Froumy 6-6 300 (was 307); Ryan Kisselstein 6-6 325 (was 331); Mark Petry 6-4 280 (was 265), Anthony Red 6-5 285 (was 297); Carlos Vettorello 6-4 295 (was 289)
Freshmen: Garth Barclay 6-7 290 (was 270), Enrique Cruz 6-6 295, Kalan Ellis 6-6 365, Wes Hoeh 6-4 275, Josh Ilaoa 6-3 300 (was 295), Aystyn Kauhi 6-5 280, Tyler Magnuson 6-6 280, Ahmed Masood 6-3 250,
Gone:
Austin Chandler, a walk-on, is not on the roster. He apparently left before last season began.
Patrick Davis, who had done some good work as a back-up, returned to his native Canada and signed with the CFL. He’s a Montreal Alouette.
Josh Kosciol was another walk-on who is not on the fall roster.
Willie Tyler, a 6-7 335 transfer from Texas ‘committed’ to Syracuse in April but decommitted in June, ending the dream of having a line anchored by 330 pound transfers from Texas and Florida, (Chris Bleich).
Qadir White’s journey to nowhere finally ended. He and Tyrone Sampson were both 4-star recruits in 2018 who were supposed to turn the offensive line into a strength. Sampson decommitted in the late going and wound up at Fresno State. White never even played a game here before deciding to transfer out and I couldn’t find anything about where he went. He may be one of those guys who hit the transfer portal and received no offers. So much for getting four stars.
Things were so bad last year that we were down to 8 available offensive linemen, some of whom were playing hurt. Airon Servias, our best one and our captain was basically playing on one leg. Dino spoke hopefully at the beginning of the season about “the cavalry coming to the rescue” after the first month but it didn’t happen. A few guys were able to make it back but they did so piecemeal and weren’t 100%. They were replaced by those who A) weren’t as good or B) could be as good but weren’t ready yet) or C) guys who were playing other positions which were weakened by the switch. Either that or the hurt guys played anyway.
Now we have 19 offensive linemen, (20 if you count Chris Elmore), including guys who have started 120 career games. Phil Steele predicts that we will have “one of the most improved offensive lines in the country”. The thing is, they were so bad last year, (92 rushing yards per game, 38 sacks), that it’s hard to tell where that places us. The O-line is the most important unit on the team. The thing that took us from 20 years of mediocrity to 11-0 in 1987 was that the linemen that Dick McPherson was able to recruit after we went to the Cherry Bowl in 1985, who, after a redshirt year, basically took over the line, filling 4 of the 5 spots. Suddenly the plays were being executed the way they looked on the blackboard. Runners got through the line of scrimmage before being hit – and they were delivering the hits. The quarterback could check down through all of his receivers and give them time to get open – and pass the ball like it was practice, with no physical pressure on him. The team could sustain and complete drives, build up point totals so that the defense, when it came on the field, was playing with a lead, maybe a big one and could be aggressive. And the line they had to defend on that field was consistently on the other side of the 50-yard line. The place kicker got more opportunities to display his skills than the punter did. Punters could go for the coffin corner instead of hoping to get off a punt from the end zone. We could go all out to block and return the other team’s kicks. When your offensive line gets good, you find out how talented their teammates really are.
Servais is good at Rubik’s cubes and that’s good because his career has been one. He’s already started 48 games and will set a Syracuse record for starts that is unlikely to be broken. He’s played two different positions. His weight has fluctuated from 292 to 273 to 309 and he has now settled in at 300. From last year’s preview: “Airon Servais was a key figure in Dino Babers’ first recruiting class and has been the anchor of the line, to the extent that we had one, ever since. Dino got him away from Wisconsin, his home state powerhouse. He’s been a center most of his career here but it’s felt tackle should be his natural position and he’s finally getting to play there. He’s started all 37 games of his career here after redshirting his first year. He has had 120 ‘knockdown’ blocks in that time. At left tackle he’s Tommy DeVito’s “blind side” protector and there couldn’t be a better man there.” Well, there’s been better men than what Servais was last year. Nunes: “Per PFF.com he graded out at a 50.3 for run blocking on the season and a suboptimal 43.6 for pass blocking.” A leg problem limited his mobility. He’s started every game since he came here, healthy or hurt, and took advantage of the extra year of eligibility Covid gave him to try one more time to have a fully healthy season so the pros could see what he can do. Steele rated him at #208 coming out of high school, 247 #132.
Bleich could have solved a lot of problems but the NCAA decided to once more stick it to us and refused to grant Bleich a waiver of the old transfer rule, even though they seemed to be granting them to everybody else. Bleich had been a starter for the Florida Gators, so you know he’s pretty good. He’s certainly pretty big. But he was also getting over surgery and might not have been an immediate help. But he’s healthy and eligible now. Nunes: “It’ll be interesting to see if he improves upon the sort of blocking grades he put up for the Gators (53 for pass blocking, 63 for run blocking).” Cuse.com: “Played in nine games, starting eight at right guard … Helped the Gators to an 11-2 record and the No. 6 ranking in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll … Blocked for a Florida offense that averaged 33.2 points and 430.5 total yards per game, including 300.7 passing yards per contest … The Gators topped 400 yards of offense in five of Bleich’s appearances and passed for 300+ yards four times.” Steele: #54 247: #34 (Willie Tyler was #24, darn it! All three magazines talked about how having both Bleich and Tyler were going to transform the line but we’ve got no Tyler.)
Update: Coach Babers said that Bleich was “sick, but there’s nothing wrong with his body”. That sounds like he’ll be ready for the opener.
Vettorello started 2019 as a tackle and was over-matched there. When he got switched to center with Servais taking over at tackle, and Bergeron took over the other tackle, our line play improved considerably. Cuse.com: “Syracuse averaged 242.3 yards rushing in the final three games when Vettorello switched permanently to center, 88.3 yards more than its season average (154.0) ... Additionally, the team’s sacks allowed went from 4.9 per game to 1.7 over that same span.” MSN: “He needs to take a step forward with his development and consistency to give the quarterback time and open lanes for running backs.” Nunes: “Obviously the middle of the line was a bit of an issue last year, and he didn’t fare particularly well in terms of run or pass-blocking in 2020 per PFF (graded out under 55 out of 100 for both). But at position that doesn’t have much in the way of depth, he’s probably the best bet — and the one most likely to find improvement, especially with more certainty at guard this fall than last.” Steele: #85 247: #37 (but as a guard).
When Davis came here he was cocky but in a good way: He said he “enjoys breaking opponents' wills and making them want to quit.” I don’t know how often that has happened but he’s played well when healthy. Last year he wasn’t and he’s been seen in camp wearing a ‘boot’ this year. MSN: “Davis is a strong run blocking interior lineman. Syracuse really missed him last year as missed the first half of the year with injury. When he did come back, he still working his way back to full health. The offensive line starting to show positive signs at the end of last year, in part due to Davis' return.“ Nunes: “In 2019, Davis was second on the team in knockdown blocks with 50, and then missed most of last season — another reason the middle of the line was such a mess. While it would be bold to claim that the rushing attack improved after his return last in the year (they only topped 100 yards once with him back in the lineup), having the experienced starter around all year will be extremely valuable.” Same, 2020: “ “Last season he developed a relationship with both Vettorello and Matthew Bergeron that should lead to some consistency moving forward. Without the learning curve that was needed last season, Davis and his mates should mesh from the outset. Early in the year last year, I criticized Davis’ work with Alexander, especially on pass protections. The chemistry he has with Bergeron is like night and day, and this shouldn’t be a concern nearly as much anymore.” Steele: #213, 247 #106.
Update: Davis was seen wearing a ‘boot’. At first babers didn’t seem too concerned but this week, he said “It’s up to the doctors” and wouldn’t say anything beyond that.
Bergeron looked like an immediate star when he was inserted into the line-up as a true freshman in 2019 and was our best lineman last year. Cuse.com: “Helped lead an offensive line that saw significant improvement throughout the season. 36-percent of the total number of sacks Syracuse allowed on the season came in the first-two contests (2.7 per game over final-nine contests) ... Helped pave the way for the first-two 100-yard rushers that Notre Dame allowed in the 2020 season, when Cooper Lutz (112) and Sean Tucker (101) both crossed the century mark against the Fighting Irish (12/5).“ MSN: “Bergeron has started 16 straight games over the last two seasons. He emerged during the 2019 campaign as a starting right tackle but transitioned to the left side last year. He is big, athletic and an all-around solid tackle.” Nunes: “Bergeron’s started at tackle on both sides of the line for Syracuse and has performed well in spots despite being thrust into action pretty early in his career (again, thanks to injuries). He’s also been getting burn on the special teams unit, so he’s bringing more experience than one might think... Bergeron is going to be manning that left tackle position once again this fall. In his third season Syracuse will be looking for him to continue improving and become a more consistent blocker as the Orange need to protect the quarterback better this fall.” Athlon called Matthew “a rising stand-out.” Servais: “He’s done a really good job of picking up all our schemes and understanding the way plays are supposed to be blocked,” Servais said. “I think he’s a really intelligent player.” Steele: #236 247: #80.
Those five guys could make a very good starting line: four returning starters plus Bleich. But good team salternate their linemen to keep them fresh and healthy and replace them if they are injured. So these other guys are going to be important, too. Red and Forumy, along with Davis, were part of the ‘cavalry’ that never showed up last year. But this is a new battle. Two of them are from Coach Babers’ native state of Hawaii: Kauhi is from Kamehameha and Ellis the St. Louis school. There maybe more to come from that pipeline.
Tisdale started 10 games last year. He’s dropped 42 pounds, indicating that he’s trying for a big year that could attract the pros. MSN: “He provides experienced depth who can step in if needed.” Nunes: “ Tisdale was asked to do quite a bit in 2020, and should be in a better spot to succeed now in 2021 as a likely reserve with starting experience, plus more consistency in front of him on the depth chart. Tisdale’s grades didn’t net out too well, but like the others, it’s worth noting the degree of difficulty given all of the injuries. Tisdale primarily played guard, starting 10 games for the Orange in that spot. That said, prior to last season’s pre-season shutdown, Tisdale was working out at Tackle as well, which is a bit less solidified than guard.” Steele: #225 247: #145
Ilaoa has Hawaiian roots but was born in Seattle and grew up in Charlotte, NC. He was recruited as a guard but backed up Vettorello at center. He appeared in 9 games. MSN: “Ilaoa can play guard or center, and word is he made an impression during practice last season. He could be one of the primary reserves at both spots in 2021.” Nunes: “While snaps were limited on offense, he got plenty of special teams burn in 2020, which could pay dividends as the team continues to try and develop the line depth chart more. His pass-blocking grades were actually among the best on the team (though a 67.3).” “I am going to be playing guard, but don’t be surprised if I’m playing anything else,” Ilaoa said. “What makes me different is that I am very athletic and versatile.” Steele: #339, 247: #132.
Froumy has yet to play a game for us. He redshirted in 2018, didn’t play in 2019 and was supposed to be part of the “cavalry” last year but got left back at the fort. MSN: “Froumy has a great frame at 6-6, 300 pounds and moves well at his size. He will battle for a reserve spot during training camp.” Nunes: “One would think that Froumy’s chance to move up the depth chart is sort of now or never. It’s unfortunate that Froumy was injured last season as he likely would have seen time for the Orange. With both starting tackles back he’ll be battling Anthony Red and Mark Petry for a backup spot and time on special teams units.” Froumy: “I know I’m going to play with people who are going to be in the NFL, and that’s pretty cool.” It would be pretty cool if he’s right. Steele: #237, 247 #143
Red was in for three plays against Duke. MSN: “An up and coming tackle the staff is very high on, Red will battle for a spot on the two deep. He is athletic and plays with a mean streak.” Nunes: “Red has some versatility and could shift inside to guard, but we’ve only seen three snaps from him so far in his first couple seasons. Injuries have been part of what’s prevented extensive looks to-date. He’s still an intriguing prospect with four years of eligibility left and if either starter struggles we might see Red on the field sooner than we think.” Steele: #292, 247: #96
Kisselstein played in one game in 2019 and three last year. Nunes: “Another massive human, KIsselstein is one of the tallest players on the team at 6-foot-6, and the local walk-on can jump in if called upon. With luck, we’re not seeing much of the Syracuse Orange’s various walk-on offensive linemen this year. No offense at all to them, of course, but hopefully we’re either not as injured as last year or are in closer games this year — or both!” Steele and 247: nothing
Petry is our other German recruit from last year. He was a bit under-sized at 265 but has added on 15 pounds. Even so, he played in 10 games last year. Nunes: “Another likely name in the two-deep conversation is Petry. A former JUCO player himself, the German standout was a special teams fixture last fall and that experience should give him a leg up to be ready to contribute more. Petry’s on the short list of guys to get a shot if the wheels come off.“ Petry: “I think I am a reliable athlete and responsible young man. I am someone any coach can depend on, both on the field and in the community. Lastly, I know I will out work anyone on the roster, because I simply want it more than everyone else.” Steele: #272, 247 #33 (JUCO).
Barclay got into two games, including the Georgia Tech win. What’s held him back was his weight. He was 6-7 250 when recruited. Last year he got up to 270 and he’s now 290. Nunes:” The tackle spots seem secure right now but Barclay can battle for the second-string as he continues to add strength. He committed at 250 pounds and many wondered how he’d last as an ACC lineman but the extra time could pay major dividends in the future.” MSN: “He came to Syracuse as a high upside prospect and will battle for a spot on the two deep this season.” Steele: #271 247: #78
Those guys could make a 2 deep with some experience but there could be a significant drop off from 1 vs. 2. To improve that, we will need to see something from the new guys:
Cruz is a four-star talent, but we’ve had experience with that. Nunes: “a four-star talent that may need a year or two to jump in. That’s fine for this year with experience ahead of him. He’s an intriguing player down the road, though, since he’s already 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds before even getting onto campus.” (He’s now 295.) SUJuiceOnline: “He was a top-25 tackle in his class, and a top 250 recruit, one of the highest Babers has snagged in his tenure with Syracuse.” OL Coach Schmidt: ““Very, very, very technical. Very technical. Like, he’s very, very, very technical. That’s what all the other coaches told me about him, and he told me.” I guess he’s technical, whatever that may mean. Steele: #93 247: #45
The there’s the Hawaiians. Ellis is our heaviest player at 6-6 365. Nunes: “First of all, 6-foot-6 and 365 pounds is already big for a lineman. (What is it not big for?) Ellis is in the rare position where he may have to lose weight to fit into the Orange offensive line scheme, with most of Syracuse’s starters hovering around the 300-325 pound range. Nevertheless, his natural size might prove to be useful later down the line in his SU career… That size should put the Hawaii product in prime position to be appear on the early depth chart, especially since there aren’t a ton of interior linemen on this team.” He was unable to play during his senior year in high school due to the pandemic. Steele: #246 247: #84
Kauhi was “rated the top offensive tackle in the Aloha state” per Nunes. “He’s quick, athletic and was one of the best offensive linemen to come out of Hawaii in the 2021 recruiting cycle. With the players in front of him on the depth chart, expect Austyn to redshirt this season as the focus will continue to be on strength and conditioning as he adjusts to the college game.” Steele: not rated, 247: #139
Bradford is a JUCO transfer whose team didn’t play last year due to Covid. He’ll have three years of eligibility here. Nunes: “JUCO offensive linemen can be great additions, and thankfully, we may not need Bradford to jump right in to contribute right away. That said, without a ton of experienced depth beyond the top two names at tackle, it seems very possible that the former Iowa Central CC player sees himself on the two-deep.” Everybody sees themselves on the two-deep. What do the coaches see? Steele: #149 247: #10 (JUCO)
Wes Hoeh went eastward from Illinois. (We might need him to block north-south.) Nunes: “Hoeh’s a very physical player, with some additional credentials given the fact that he both wrestled and played rugby in high school. He may not have the same size as a lot of these other freshmen, but there’s a chance his other skills keep him in the future conversation just the same…Wes projects as an interior lineman and the injury to Dakota Davis could give him some training camp reps but he’ll likely be headed for a redshirt season like the other incoming linemen.” His high school coach: “Everybody wants to have this ready-made kid who’s 280 pounds, but Wes is athletic. He bends as good as any offensive lineman in the state and he’s as athletic as any offensive lineman in the state.” Steele: #175 247: #113.
Magnuson went East from Minnesota. His team win the state in 2019. He sprained his MCL but came back to be second team all-state. Nunes: “I’d say redshirt. At 6-foot-6 and 280, which are both increases from signing day, he’s still growing into his frame and could do even more with a full year of S&C. I would hope with the shear numbers that we’re getting to the point that our linemen can redshirt and not be forced into early playing time.” Steele: not rated 247: #138
Masood is a walk-on. Nunes: “Syracuse recently added Masood as a walk-on, and in year one, the 241-pounder will be learning the offense, bulking up and just getting a better feel for campus life.” You want linemen with a good feel for campus life – and the training table. Steele and 247: nothing
SUJuiceONline: “Syracuse certainly needed a change in its coaching ranks following its disastrous 2020 campaign. Mike Cavanaugh left for Arizona State in January, and the Orange replaced him with San Diego State offensive line coach Mike Schmidt. Schmidt, involved with the Aztecs program since 2012, had molded its rushing attack into one of the best in college football, with SDSU ranking 15th nationally in rushing yards per carry (5.0), 15th in rushing yardage per game (216.9) and tied for 21st in rushing touchdowns (201) during that time period. The offensive line unit has immediately taken to Schmidt’s coaching so far, especially when it comes to film study. “Coach Schmidt came in and on the first day we watched film,” Bergeron said. “I liked his new approach. Everyone is just following him and we trust him. He made us a better unit in 14 practices so I’m glad to work with him.”
Seniors: Airon Servais 6-6 300, (from 309, he had been 273 in 2019 and 292 in 2018)
Juniors: Dakota Davis 6-5 327 (was 325); Darius Tisdale 6-5 300 (was 6-4 342)
Sophomores: Matthew Bergeron 6-5 315, (was 6-4 312), Chris Bleich 6-6 320 (was 332), Jakob Bradford 6-5 295, Wil Froumy 6-6 300 (was 307); Ryan Kisselstein 6-6 325 (was 331); Mark Petry 6-4 280 (was 265), Anthony Red 6-5 285 (was 297); Carlos Vettorello 6-4 295 (was 289)
Freshmen: Garth Barclay 6-7 290 (was 270), Enrique Cruz 6-6 295, Kalan Ellis 6-6 365, Wes Hoeh 6-4 275, Josh Ilaoa 6-3 300 (was 295), Aystyn Kauhi 6-5 280, Tyler Magnuson 6-6 280, Ahmed Masood 6-3 250,
Gone:
Austin Chandler, a walk-on, is not on the roster. He apparently left before last season began.
Patrick Davis, who had done some good work as a back-up, returned to his native Canada and signed with the CFL. He’s a Montreal Alouette.
Josh Kosciol was another walk-on who is not on the fall roster.
Willie Tyler, a 6-7 335 transfer from Texas ‘committed’ to Syracuse in April but decommitted in June, ending the dream of having a line anchored by 330 pound transfers from Texas and Florida, (Chris Bleich).
Qadir White’s journey to nowhere finally ended. He and Tyrone Sampson were both 4-star recruits in 2018 who were supposed to turn the offensive line into a strength. Sampson decommitted in the late going and wound up at Fresno State. White never even played a game here before deciding to transfer out and I couldn’t find anything about where he went. He may be one of those guys who hit the transfer portal and received no offers. So much for getting four stars.
Things were so bad last year that we were down to 8 available offensive linemen, some of whom were playing hurt. Airon Servias, our best one and our captain was basically playing on one leg. Dino spoke hopefully at the beginning of the season about “the cavalry coming to the rescue” after the first month but it didn’t happen. A few guys were able to make it back but they did so piecemeal and weren’t 100%. They were replaced by those who A) weren’t as good or B) could be as good but weren’t ready yet) or C) guys who were playing other positions which were weakened by the switch. Either that or the hurt guys played anyway.
Now we have 19 offensive linemen, (20 if you count Chris Elmore), including guys who have started 120 career games. Phil Steele predicts that we will have “one of the most improved offensive lines in the country”. The thing is, they were so bad last year, (92 rushing yards per game, 38 sacks), that it’s hard to tell where that places us. The O-line is the most important unit on the team. The thing that took us from 20 years of mediocrity to 11-0 in 1987 was that the linemen that Dick McPherson was able to recruit after we went to the Cherry Bowl in 1985, who, after a redshirt year, basically took over the line, filling 4 of the 5 spots. Suddenly the plays were being executed the way they looked on the blackboard. Runners got through the line of scrimmage before being hit – and they were delivering the hits. The quarterback could check down through all of his receivers and give them time to get open – and pass the ball like it was practice, with no physical pressure on him. The team could sustain and complete drives, build up point totals so that the defense, when it came on the field, was playing with a lead, maybe a big one and could be aggressive. And the line they had to defend on that field was consistently on the other side of the 50-yard line. The place kicker got more opportunities to display his skills than the punter did. Punters could go for the coffin corner instead of hoping to get off a punt from the end zone. We could go all out to block and return the other team’s kicks. When your offensive line gets good, you find out how talented their teammates really are.
Servais is good at Rubik’s cubes and that’s good because his career has been one. He’s already started 48 games and will set a Syracuse record for starts that is unlikely to be broken. He’s played two different positions. His weight has fluctuated from 292 to 273 to 309 and he has now settled in at 300. From last year’s preview: “Airon Servais was a key figure in Dino Babers’ first recruiting class and has been the anchor of the line, to the extent that we had one, ever since. Dino got him away from Wisconsin, his home state powerhouse. He’s been a center most of his career here but it’s felt tackle should be his natural position and he’s finally getting to play there. He’s started all 37 games of his career here after redshirting his first year. He has had 120 ‘knockdown’ blocks in that time. At left tackle he’s Tommy DeVito’s “blind side” protector and there couldn’t be a better man there.” Well, there’s been better men than what Servais was last year. Nunes: “Per PFF.com he graded out at a 50.3 for run blocking on the season and a suboptimal 43.6 for pass blocking.” A leg problem limited his mobility. He’s started every game since he came here, healthy or hurt, and took advantage of the extra year of eligibility Covid gave him to try one more time to have a fully healthy season so the pros could see what he can do. Steele rated him at #208 coming out of high school, 247 #132.
Bleich could have solved a lot of problems but the NCAA decided to once more stick it to us and refused to grant Bleich a waiver of the old transfer rule, even though they seemed to be granting them to everybody else. Bleich had been a starter for the Florida Gators, so you know he’s pretty good. He’s certainly pretty big. But he was also getting over surgery and might not have been an immediate help. But he’s healthy and eligible now. Nunes: “It’ll be interesting to see if he improves upon the sort of blocking grades he put up for the Gators (53 for pass blocking, 63 for run blocking).” Cuse.com: “Played in nine games, starting eight at right guard … Helped the Gators to an 11-2 record and the No. 6 ranking in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll … Blocked for a Florida offense that averaged 33.2 points and 430.5 total yards per game, including 300.7 passing yards per contest … The Gators topped 400 yards of offense in five of Bleich’s appearances and passed for 300+ yards four times.” Steele: #54 247: #34 (Willie Tyler was #24, darn it! All three magazines talked about how having both Bleich and Tyler were going to transform the line but we’ve got no Tyler.)
Update: Coach Babers said that Bleich was “sick, but there’s nothing wrong with his body”. That sounds like he’ll be ready for the opener.
Vettorello started 2019 as a tackle and was over-matched there. When he got switched to center with Servais taking over at tackle, and Bergeron took over the other tackle, our line play improved considerably. Cuse.com: “Syracuse averaged 242.3 yards rushing in the final three games when Vettorello switched permanently to center, 88.3 yards more than its season average (154.0) ... Additionally, the team’s sacks allowed went from 4.9 per game to 1.7 over that same span.” MSN: “He needs to take a step forward with his development and consistency to give the quarterback time and open lanes for running backs.” Nunes: “Obviously the middle of the line was a bit of an issue last year, and he didn’t fare particularly well in terms of run or pass-blocking in 2020 per PFF (graded out under 55 out of 100 for both). But at position that doesn’t have much in the way of depth, he’s probably the best bet — and the one most likely to find improvement, especially with more certainty at guard this fall than last.” Steele: #85 247: #37 (but as a guard).
When Davis came here he was cocky but in a good way: He said he “enjoys breaking opponents' wills and making them want to quit.” I don’t know how often that has happened but he’s played well when healthy. Last year he wasn’t and he’s been seen in camp wearing a ‘boot’ this year. MSN: “Davis is a strong run blocking interior lineman. Syracuse really missed him last year as missed the first half of the year with injury. When he did come back, he still working his way back to full health. The offensive line starting to show positive signs at the end of last year, in part due to Davis' return.“ Nunes: “In 2019, Davis was second on the team in knockdown blocks with 50, and then missed most of last season — another reason the middle of the line was such a mess. While it would be bold to claim that the rushing attack improved after his return last in the year (they only topped 100 yards once with him back in the lineup), having the experienced starter around all year will be extremely valuable.” Same, 2020: “ “Last season he developed a relationship with both Vettorello and Matthew Bergeron that should lead to some consistency moving forward. Without the learning curve that was needed last season, Davis and his mates should mesh from the outset. Early in the year last year, I criticized Davis’ work with Alexander, especially on pass protections. The chemistry he has with Bergeron is like night and day, and this shouldn’t be a concern nearly as much anymore.” Steele: #213, 247 #106.
Update: Davis was seen wearing a ‘boot’. At first babers didn’t seem too concerned but this week, he said “It’s up to the doctors” and wouldn’t say anything beyond that.
Bergeron looked like an immediate star when he was inserted into the line-up as a true freshman in 2019 and was our best lineman last year. Cuse.com: “Helped lead an offensive line that saw significant improvement throughout the season. 36-percent of the total number of sacks Syracuse allowed on the season came in the first-two contests (2.7 per game over final-nine contests) ... Helped pave the way for the first-two 100-yard rushers that Notre Dame allowed in the 2020 season, when Cooper Lutz (112) and Sean Tucker (101) both crossed the century mark against the Fighting Irish (12/5).“ MSN: “Bergeron has started 16 straight games over the last two seasons. He emerged during the 2019 campaign as a starting right tackle but transitioned to the left side last year. He is big, athletic and an all-around solid tackle.” Nunes: “Bergeron’s started at tackle on both sides of the line for Syracuse and has performed well in spots despite being thrust into action pretty early in his career (again, thanks to injuries). He’s also been getting burn on the special teams unit, so he’s bringing more experience than one might think... Bergeron is going to be manning that left tackle position once again this fall. In his third season Syracuse will be looking for him to continue improving and become a more consistent blocker as the Orange need to protect the quarterback better this fall.” Athlon called Matthew “a rising stand-out.” Servais: “He’s done a really good job of picking up all our schemes and understanding the way plays are supposed to be blocked,” Servais said. “I think he’s a really intelligent player.” Steele: #236 247: #80.
Those five guys could make a very good starting line: four returning starters plus Bleich. But good team salternate their linemen to keep them fresh and healthy and replace them if they are injured. So these other guys are going to be important, too. Red and Forumy, along with Davis, were part of the ‘cavalry’ that never showed up last year. But this is a new battle. Two of them are from Coach Babers’ native state of Hawaii: Kauhi is from Kamehameha and Ellis the St. Louis school. There maybe more to come from that pipeline.
Tisdale started 10 games last year. He’s dropped 42 pounds, indicating that he’s trying for a big year that could attract the pros. MSN: “He provides experienced depth who can step in if needed.” Nunes: “ Tisdale was asked to do quite a bit in 2020, and should be in a better spot to succeed now in 2021 as a likely reserve with starting experience, plus more consistency in front of him on the depth chart. Tisdale’s grades didn’t net out too well, but like the others, it’s worth noting the degree of difficulty given all of the injuries. Tisdale primarily played guard, starting 10 games for the Orange in that spot. That said, prior to last season’s pre-season shutdown, Tisdale was working out at Tackle as well, which is a bit less solidified than guard.” Steele: #225 247: #145
Ilaoa has Hawaiian roots but was born in Seattle and grew up in Charlotte, NC. He was recruited as a guard but backed up Vettorello at center. He appeared in 9 games. MSN: “Ilaoa can play guard or center, and word is he made an impression during practice last season. He could be one of the primary reserves at both spots in 2021.” Nunes: “While snaps were limited on offense, he got plenty of special teams burn in 2020, which could pay dividends as the team continues to try and develop the line depth chart more. His pass-blocking grades were actually among the best on the team (though a 67.3).” “I am going to be playing guard, but don’t be surprised if I’m playing anything else,” Ilaoa said. “What makes me different is that I am very athletic and versatile.” Steele: #339, 247: #132.
Froumy has yet to play a game for us. He redshirted in 2018, didn’t play in 2019 and was supposed to be part of the “cavalry” last year but got left back at the fort. MSN: “Froumy has a great frame at 6-6, 300 pounds and moves well at his size. He will battle for a reserve spot during training camp.” Nunes: “One would think that Froumy’s chance to move up the depth chart is sort of now or never. It’s unfortunate that Froumy was injured last season as he likely would have seen time for the Orange. With both starting tackles back he’ll be battling Anthony Red and Mark Petry for a backup spot and time on special teams units.” Froumy: “I know I’m going to play with people who are going to be in the NFL, and that’s pretty cool.” It would be pretty cool if he’s right. Steele: #237, 247 #143
Red was in for three plays against Duke. MSN: “An up and coming tackle the staff is very high on, Red will battle for a spot on the two deep. He is athletic and plays with a mean streak.” Nunes: “Red has some versatility and could shift inside to guard, but we’ve only seen three snaps from him so far in his first couple seasons. Injuries have been part of what’s prevented extensive looks to-date. He’s still an intriguing prospect with four years of eligibility left and if either starter struggles we might see Red on the field sooner than we think.” Steele: #292, 247: #96
Kisselstein played in one game in 2019 and three last year. Nunes: “Another massive human, KIsselstein is one of the tallest players on the team at 6-foot-6, and the local walk-on can jump in if called upon. With luck, we’re not seeing much of the Syracuse Orange’s various walk-on offensive linemen this year. No offense at all to them, of course, but hopefully we’re either not as injured as last year or are in closer games this year — or both!” Steele and 247: nothing
Petry is our other German recruit from last year. He was a bit under-sized at 265 but has added on 15 pounds. Even so, he played in 10 games last year. Nunes: “Another likely name in the two-deep conversation is Petry. A former JUCO player himself, the German standout was a special teams fixture last fall and that experience should give him a leg up to be ready to contribute more. Petry’s on the short list of guys to get a shot if the wheels come off.“ Petry: “I think I am a reliable athlete and responsible young man. I am someone any coach can depend on, both on the field and in the community. Lastly, I know I will out work anyone on the roster, because I simply want it more than everyone else.” Steele: #272, 247 #33 (JUCO).
Barclay got into two games, including the Georgia Tech win. What’s held him back was his weight. He was 6-7 250 when recruited. Last year he got up to 270 and he’s now 290. Nunes:” The tackle spots seem secure right now but Barclay can battle for the second-string as he continues to add strength. He committed at 250 pounds and many wondered how he’d last as an ACC lineman but the extra time could pay major dividends in the future.” MSN: “He came to Syracuse as a high upside prospect and will battle for a spot on the two deep this season.” Steele: #271 247: #78
Those guys could make a 2 deep with some experience but there could be a significant drop off from 1 vs. 2. To improve that, we will need to see something from the new guys:
Cruz is a four-star talent, but we’ve had experience with that. Nunes: “a four-star talent that may need a year or two to jump in. That’s fine for this year with experience ahead of him. He’s an intriguing player down the road, though, since he’s already 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds before even getting onto campus.” (He’s now 295.) SUJuiceOnline: “He was a top-25 tackle in his class, and a top 250 recruit, one of the highest Babers has snagged in his tenure with Syracuse.” OL Coach Schmidt: ““Very, very, very technical. Very technical. Like, he’s very, very, very technical. That’s what all the other coaches told me about him, and he told me.” I guess he’s technical, whatever that may mean. Steele: #93 247: #45
The there’s the Hawaiians. Ellis is our heaviest player at 6-6 365. Nunes: “First of all, 6-foot-6 and 365 pounds is already big for a lineman. (What is it not big for?) Ellis is in the rare position where he may have to lose weight to fit into the Orange offensive line scheme, with most of Syracuse’s starters hovering around the 300-325 pound range. Nevertheless, his natural size might prove to be useful later down the line in his SU career… That size should put the Hawaii product in prime position to be appear on the early depth chart, especially since there aren’t a ton of interior linemen on this team.” He was unable to play during his senior year in high school due to the pandemic. Steele: #246 247: #84
Kauhi was “rated the top offensive tackle in the Aloha state” per Nunes. “He’s quick, athletic and was one of the best offensive linemen to come out of Hawaii in the 2021 recruiting cycle. With the players in front of him on the depth chart, expect Austyn to redshirt this season as the focus will continue to be on strength and conditioning as he adjusts to the college game.” Steele: not rated, 247: #139
Bradford is a JUCO transfer whose team didn’t play last year due to Covid. He’ll have three years of eligibility here. Nunes: “JUCO offensive linemen can be great additions, and thankfully, we may not need Bradford to jump right in to contribute right away. That said, without a ton of experienced depth beyond the top two names at tackle, it seems very possible that the former Iowa Central CC player sees himself on the two-deep.” Everybody sees themselves on the two-deep. What do the coaches see? Steele: #149 247: #10 (JUCO)
Wes Hoeh went eastward from Illinois. (We might need him to block north-south.) Nunes: “Hoeh’s a very physical player, with some additional credentials given the fact that he both wrestled and played rugby in high school. He may not have the same size as a lot of these other freshmen, but there’s a chance his other skills keep him in the future conversation just the same…Wes projects as an interior lineman and the injury to Dakota Davis could give him some training camp reps but he’ll likely be headed for a redshirt season like the other incoming linemen.” His high school coach: “Everybody wants to have this ready-made kid who’s 280 pounds, but Wes is athletic. He bends as good as any offensive lineman in the state and he’s as athletic as any offensive lineman in the state.” Steele: #175 247: #113.
Magnuson went East from Minnesota. His team win the state in 2019. He sprained his MCL but came back to be second team all-state. Nunes: “I’d say redshirt. At 6-foot-6 and 280, which are both increases from signing day, he’s still growing into his frame and could do even more with a full year of S&C. I would hope with the shear numbers that we’re getting to the point that our linemen can redshirt and not be forced into early playing time.” Steele: not rated 247: #138
Masood is a walk-on. Nunes: “Syracuse recently added Masood as a walk-on, and in year one, the 241-pounder will be learning the offense, bulking up and just getting a better feel for campus life.” You want linemen with a good feel for campus life – and the training table. Steele and 247: nothing
SUJuiceONline: “Syracuse certainly needed a change in its coaching ranks following its disastrous 2020 campaign. Mike Cavanaugh left for Arizona State in January, and the Orange replaced him with San Diego State offensive line coach Mike Schmidt. Schmidt, involved with the Aztecs program since 2012, had molded its rushing attack into one of the best in college football, with SDSU ranking 15th nationally in rushing yards per carry (5.0), 15th in rushing yardage per game (216.9) and tied for 21st in rushing touchdowns (201) during that time period. The offensive line unit has immediately taken to Schmidt’s coaching so far, especially when it comes to film study. “Coach Schmidt came in and on the first day we watched film,” Bergeron said. “I liked his new approach. Everyone is just following him and we trust him. He made us a better unit in 14 practices so I’m glad to work with him.”
