Syracuse Football officially released its 2021 roster today, complete with all returning players and incoming freshman. It’s great to finally see guys like Garrett Shrader, Justin Lamson and Duce Chestnut locked in place as members of the Orange. However, there was one player from 2020 who fans might not have expected to spy on this year’s roster: Lee Kpogba.
Kpogba had an extremely solid sophomore year as a backup linebacker, recording 43 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a sack. The former three-star recruit was also one of SU’s key players on special teams. However, Kpogba was suspended indefinitely over the offseason.
There is still no explanation as to why Kpogba was suspended in the first place.
Nobody is exactly sure what keeping Kpogba on the roster means for SU. His suspension could’ve been lifted without any sort of announcement to the public, or this could just be temporary while his issues are sorted out. The North Carolina native is still listed in the Syracuse student directory, so he might not have plans to transfer elsewhere. He’s still very active on Twitter, supporting his fellow Syracuse players
If Kpogba were to leave, the linebacker group would still be solid, with Marlowe Wax, Geoff Cantin-Arku and maybe even Jason Simmons taking his reps. But it’s always better to have depth, and Kpogba’s experience and aggressive play style ensured him time on special teams, and a look during camp at either the middle or weak-side linebacker spot.
