The hype train has no end in sight for SU football heading into this season, with seven different Orange players being named to the Athlon All-ACC Preseason squad. It’s the second straight season for SU that seven different players have made the preseason squad. The seven players earning the accolade this season for Syracuse are Oronde Gadsden, Marlow Wax, LeQuint Allen Jr., Justin Barron, Jack Stonehouse, Fadil Diggs, and Trebor Pena. Pena is the only player on the squad to earn the honor the past three seasons. Wax, Gadsden, Allen, and Barron are all repeat selections from 2023. While all of these players are more than talented and deserve the honor, three stand out amongst the rest. So who is slated to make a noticeable difference on the squad this season?
TE-Oronde Gadsden II
This name should come as a surprise to nobody. Gadsden was the only name on the All-ACC preseason squad last season, and is the only Orange to be on the list twice in the past two years. Gadsden caught 61 passes for 969 yards and six touchdowns in his sophomore season leading tight-ends nationally in yardage. The Florida native looks to be just as effective in his senior season after missing nearly his entire junior year with injury.
RB-LeQuint Allen
Allen is a prolific tailback that is going to see an increased role with quarterback Kyle McCord under center. This past season the New Jersey native rushed for 1,338 yards and 10 rushing scores. On top of that, Allen also brought in 55 passes for 330 yards showing that he is a dual threat back. SU needs the tailback to produce nearly the same numbers or better to have a truly balanced passing and rushing offense.
DL-Fadil Diggs
It’s hard to leave out players like Barron and Wax Jr. on the defensive side of the ball, but when a player like Diggs is on your squad, he has to make the top three. The former Aggie started 33 total games with Texas A&M, recording eight sacks and three forced fumbles in his three years at College Station. Diggs brings veteran SEC experience to an already mature defense which could lead to one of if not the best defense in the ACC this season.
