Syracuse’s 2021 recruiting class swelled up to 12 commits on Friday when three-star interior lineman Wes Hoeh announced he’s heading to the Hill.
The rising senior from Glenbard West High School in Illinois is 6’4”, 250 lbs, and chose the Orange over Appalachian State, Bowling Green, Air Force and Central Michigan. He was recruited by Mike Lynch and Mike Cavanaugh.
Syracuse fans are likely golf-clapping this commitment. After all, a three-star interior lineman doesn’t typically steal the headlines. But this is SU’s second 2021 offensive line commitment in the past week. The Orange are bolstering their recruiting class during the pandemic, which means Dino Babers’ staff is selling the program largely on paper. No official campus tours. No basketball games to sell the Dome atmosphere. 
Hoeh joins three-star prospect Austyn Kauhi on the Class of 2021 offensive line.
With the “blind recruitment”, the Orange are getting a bully. Hoeh plays through the echo of the whistle, carrying run blocks downfield, with no problem blocking in the second level. It’s no surprise he is Glenbard West’s left tackle, which will only aid in his development as a versatile asset in the trenches.
If last year was any sign, the Orange desperately need to reinvest in their offensive line. Tommy DeVito was sacked 44 times last season, more than any other signal caller in the FBS. Hoeh’s impact won’t be seen on the field for a few years, but the early Orange commitments point to priorities.
It’s no coincidence that seven of the 12 commits play defense. Babers’s staff began recruiting for the new 3-3-5 system under defensive coordinator Tony White. The focus now shifts to the offensive side of the ball.
Early commits like Hoeh only help SU in their recruitment of a quarterback. Since four-star Riley Leonard committed to Duke, Syracuse has been scrambling to find a 2021 QB. Sterlin Gilbert, SU’s new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, is all-in on three-star Justin Lamson, who whittled his list down to four. Syracuse, San Jose State, Wyoming and Louisville are on his short list. Protection might be a better selling point for a must-get prospect like Lamson than the Dome.
