Syracuse football is just over a month away, and the Orange have constructed one of the most talented tight end groups for 2024. In fact, On3 placed the SU tight end corps fourth in the country, below powerhouses Georgia, Michigan, and North Carolina.
This position group features many of last year's top players, as well as some newcomers who will join those experienced veterans. So, let's meet the tight ends who expect to make a big impression on new co-offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Michael Johnson.
Oronde Gadsden II, Redshirt Junior
— Oronde Gadsden II (@Orondegii) December 26, 2023
Oronde Gadsden II is back after suffering a season-ending injury early in 2023, appearing in only two games. Gadsden, who stands 6'5'' and weighs 236 pounds, is an excellent route runner with the right size and speed to be a talented tight end in the slot.
His 2022 campaign should inspire fans to believe in what he can accomplish moving ahead. He broke Syracuse's single-season catches and receiving yards records as a tight end and had one of the most prolific sophomore seasons by a pass catcher regardless of position, propelling him to First Team All-ACC. He switched to tight end before the 2022 season.
Dan Villari, Redshirt Junior
It's no secret that Dan Villari was Syracuse's Swiss Army knife last season after being an all-purpose player, playing tight end, quarterback, and even running back in the Orange offense. With quarterback Garrett Shrader's injuries in the second half of the season, Villari was all over the field in the remainder of the campaign.
In total, the former Michigan Wolverine completed 22 of 33 passes for 177 yards and one touchdown, ran 55 times for 326 yards and two touchdowns, and grabbed 20 catches for 180 yards and three touchdowns.
Villari is expected to return to his traditional role as the No. 2 tight end with the addition of former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord under center, but don't be surprised if he appears in the wildcat formation if head coach Fran Brown has some tricks up his sleeve.
Maximilian Mang, Senior
Max Mang has been a very consistent blocking tight end for the Orange over the last four years, appearing in every game and making ten starts.
He had two catches for 12 yards and a touchdown in 2024, including a five-yard touchdown reception in a win over Pittsburgh at Yankee Stadium. He will compete for the No. 3 spot this fall with one of Syracuse's newest offensive threats.
Jamie Tremble, Freshman
4-star freshman Jamie Tremble, has a lot to live up to; his brother, Tommy, is playing with the Carolina Panthers, and his father, Greg, played in the NFL for the Cowboys, Browns, and Eagles.
Tremble was the No. 13 tight end recruit in the 2024 class after accumulating over 160 receptions, 2,800 yards, and 31 touchdowns at the Wesleyan School. Tremble is a big target who stands 6'4" and weighs 208 pounds, hopes to get some playing time in his rookie season while also learning from some talented upperclassmen on the depth chart.
