In quarterback Garrett Shrader's final swan song with Syracuse football last season, the senior crashed to the ground 25 times and was a decoy player at the end of the season due to a shoulder injury.
New head coach Fran Brown will certainly hope for different results with incoming transfer quarterback Kyle McCord. The former Ohio State single-caller threw for over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns with the Buckeyes, all while getting hit on just 16 occasions in his final year in Columbus.
For McCord to display similar numbers in Orange, those in front of him must produce at an uptick level. The Syracuse offensive line has been inconsistent and often injured in recent seasons. However, the SU O-line could be in for a prosperous year with veteran pieces returning and fresh faces.
Returners
Enrique Cruz Jr. - A player who has not been derailed by injuries is Enrique Criz Jr. The redshirt junior played all 803 snaps last fall and gave just three quarterback hits. His strong performances and consistent availability should put him at the top of the pecking order in the eyes of the new o-line coach, Dale Williams.
Joe Cruz - After three appearances in his redshirt year, Joe Cruz added critical depth to SU in his first full season and snuck in three starts as well. Cruz can provide the Orange with a similar backup role this season.
David Wohlabaugh Jr. - The redshirt junior will feel like an entirely new acquisition for Syracuse. A year ago, Wohlabaugh arrived from Kentucky. However, he only played two games before breaking his fibula. Once the Ohio native regains full fitness, he has the potential to be a prominent fixture on the line.
Mark Petry - The German returns for his fifth season with Syracuse after playing every game the previous fall and will provide a solid veteran presence in the locker room.
Kalan Ellis - At 6-foot-6, 375 pounds, Kalan Ellis is a monster on the o-line, although SU fans saw that just once last year before Ellis' season was over with an injury. Jump back to 2022, and the Hawaii native had a standout season, allowing just one sack. If Ellis can recapture that form, the Orange offenses could be in for a strong season.
Jakob Bradford - The redshirt senior can play either left or right guard and, in 555 snaps in 2023, allowed just four sacks. Like Petry, Bradford provides leadership and experience to coach Williams' unit.
Joe More - The redshirt senior was another player who bit the injury bug last season, More played in just three games before going down. However, he says he is ready to go under Fran Brown.
"I had a high ankle sprain," More said about his absences last year, "but I'm good to go now. I get that each year," More said.
More also noted important steps coach Brown's team has done to prevent another injury-hit fall for the o-line.
"In the weight room we are spending a lot more time making sure we work mobility and strengthening those joint and ligament areas," More said.
If More can stay away from the injuries, he further bolsters a potentially talented interior O-line.
J'onre Reed - Reed is slated to be the primary player at center for SU. The senior featured in every game last year and was Syracuse's highest-rated pass blocker, according to Pro Football Focus.
Josh IIaoa - Rounding out the returners is Josh IIaoa, who is primarily used on special teams and can fill in as a backup at center.
Transfers
Codie Hornsby - Hornsby comes in from Grambling State, stands at 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, and has two years of eligibility left. The Dallas native lacks FBS experience on his resume, as he was a part of Delaware State before switching to Grambling State. Also, Hornsby played the bulk of last season with a broken hand. Yet the new face could potentially freshen up the O-line.
Da'Metrius Weatherspoon - At 6-foot- 335 pounds, Weatherspoon will undoubtedly be noticed on the field. At Howard last fall, he was named one of the HBCU First Team All-Americans. Like Hornsby, he has two years of eligibility remaining.
Joshua Miller - Perhaps the most exciting transfer on the O-line is a player yet to take a college snap. Joshua Miller redshirted his freshman year at Georgia before being reeled in by Fran Brown. The Virginia native was ranked the 14th-best prospect in the state and has a chance to flourish in central New York.
Conclusion
The o-line does not draw the highlight reel plays or have flashy names; however, if Syracuse wants success in year one with Fran Brown, it could be dictated by the players up front. The group possesses a potent mix of veterans and newcomers; whether they can stay healthy and perform to their ability is yet to be determined, although, on paper, it is a group that has all the tools to contribute to winning football.