Things are starting to get real surrounding the SU program as we approach the start of the 2019 season. On Tuesday morning, the Orange released their pre-season depth chart and there were some significant changes. As you might expect, those changes will heavily shift the topic of conversation on Wednesday afternoon in Charlotte when Syracuse takes the stage at the league’s annual kickoff event.
Here are the three biggest storylines were monitoring:
1. Offensive line 
The most surprising changes on the latest depth chart came up front. Veteran Airon Servais shifted from offensive tackle (where he was listed in the spring) to center (where he started in 2018). That moved Sam Heckel back to guard, bumped Dakota Davis to the second team and gave Syracuse two freshman tackles. A lot to take in right?
R-Fr Carlos Vettorello is listed as the team’s starting left tackle, while true freshman Anthony Red is projected to hold in down on the other side. South Alabama graduate transfer Ryan Alexander, who was just recently officially added to the roster, is listed as the team’s third tackle. Would the Orange really start two inexperienced lineman at the tackle positions? Most suspect Alexander will eventually make his way to a starter.
2. Transfer Roles
Michigan State transfer Trishton Jackson has made the jump to the first team. Meanwhile, fellow transfer Abdul Adams is still listed as a second team running back with sophomore Jarveon Howard. It will be interesting to see quarterback Tommy DeVito comment on both those players this week. Given his rise, it’s reasonable to believe Jackson is making a strong impression on the offense.
Adams remains behind senior Moe Neal and has some work to do to beat out Howard for the second-string job. Adams arrived to Central New York with plenty of hype, but certainly has his hands full competing with two more-than-capable running backs.
3. Antwan Cordy returns
Surprise: Cordy is back for more. Well, not that big of a surprise, I suppose. Cordy’s role in his sixth year with SU is unclear. At this point last year, he was listed as the team’s starting nickel. Fast forward a year later and he’s not listen on the program’s two deep. Does Dino Babers have a role for him this year? If so, what is it?
Make sure to keep it locked to OrangeFizz.net all week long for wall-to-wall coverage of the Orange at the ACC Kickoff. Syracuse is set to take the podium after lunch on Wednesday. We’ll have articles posted all week and a special Fizz Radio episode this weekend.¬†
