There’s a harsh reality for many college football players as they start their career. First, you have to get drafted or picked up as an undrafted free agent. But that’s only step one. You then have to grind all summer and convince your team that you deserve to be on the 53-man roster.
12 SU players started their NFL journeys in April. Here’s where they all stand after the late August roster cuts.
First the draft picks…
Oronde Gadsden II
To no one’s surprise, SU’s earlier draft pick of the year made the roster cut for the Los Angeles Chargers. He looked good in the preseason, including a signature touchdown against the 49ers this weekend.
Kyle McCord
The single-season passing record holder for SU had a rough preseason and was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this week. But McCord’s NFL journey isn’t over yet, he’s returning as part of the Eagles’ practice squad.
LeQuint Allen Jr.
It’s a crowded running back room over in Jacksonville, led by Travis Etienne. But Allen can do a little bit of everything as a running back. That was enough to land him a spot (likely as RB4) for the Jaguars.
Fadil Diggs
The dominant defensive end who played his final season with Syracuse didn’t make the cut for the Saints as a seventh-round draft pick. But after a decent preseason (five tackles), he’s being kept on as a practice squad player.
Onto the undrafted free agents…
Clarence Lewis
The Notre Dame transfer who spent one season with SU was waived by the Titans and has not made a practice squad yet.
Justin Barron
After a decent preseason with Cowboys, Barron did not make the 53-man cut but will be on the practice squad in Dallas.
Alijah Clark
The same story goes for Clark. Solid preseason, nothing crazy. Missed the cut for the 53 but will stay with Dallas on the practice squad.
Jackson Meeks
Maybe the most surprising cut, Meeks missed the Lions roster despite leading the team in receiving this preseason. Instead, he will stay with Detroit on the practice squad.
Savion Washington
Washington battled with an undisclosed injury this offseason and was released by the Chargers in July and remains without a team.
Marlowe Wax
Wax gets the honor of being the lone SU UDFA to make a roster. After a great preseason that included a strip sack, Wax will be a Charger to start the season.
Max Mang
Another tight end from SU, Mang will be on the practice squad for the Saints after missing the 53-man cut.
Tom Callahan
SU’s long snapper last year, Callahan got a camp invite from the Raiders but did not make the roster.
