As we continue to get closer to August 31st and the start of the SU football season, the preseason events have started to commence. ACC Kickoff in Charlotte, North Carolina started on Monday. Syracuse is a part of the last group of teams that will speak with the media on Thursday along with Clemson, North Carolina, and NC State.
The Orange announced that the players alongside first-year head coach Fran Brown will be Kyle McCord, LeQuint Allen, Justin Barron, and Fadil Diggs. All of them will be key players to the ‘Cuse this season. It was a big surprising though to see two players left off the list.
Oronde Gadsden
The one guy who most thought would be a lock as the best returning player to the team, Oronde Gadsden is not one of the players at ACC Kickoff. Last year, he was a preseason all-American and was the highest-rated SU player by EA Sports. Gadsden is a bit of a soft speaker however we still expected to hear from him in Charlotte. Considering the injury that ended his season last year and the issues this offseason, it isn’t the most surprising however it’ll be interesting to follow Gadsden ahead of the season.
Marlowe Wax
There might not be a more crucial player to the ‘Cuse in 2024 than Marlowe Wax. The Maryland native has had one of the best careers ever in the 315. Wax has started 38 straight games and appeared in 49 straight since arriving on campus in 2020. The linebacker could be the first player to lead the Orange in tackles for three straight years in 35 seasons. Wax is also a fan favorite as a co-host of the Mob podcast. Another surprise to not see Wax as one of the players who is down in Charlotte.
If anything, what the players heading down to Charlotte shows is that it is truly a new era in the 315. Instead of bringing two proven returners, the Orange are taking the two top transfers in, Fadil Diggs and Kyle McCord.
