Syracuse, N.Y. — When Syracuse opens its spring football practice on Thursday, a hefty amount of attention will be paid to the offensive line, largely considered a weakness of last year’s team.
Despite having just one starter run out of college eligibility, new coach Fran Brown has added three transfers along the unit and appears to be focused on adding bulk to the group.
Grambling transfer Codie Hornsby, who committed to SU late last week, said part of the Orange’s appeal was the opportunity to compete for the starting left guard position next season. He said the coaching staff also wants him to compete for the starting center position once J’Onre Reed graduates after the season.
Hornsby plans to observe a practice during his official visit. He expects to join the program shortly after he graduates from Grambling in early May.
Hornsby, who said he is 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, said he has two years of eligibility remaining. His two seasons at Delaware State included a season shortened by the COVID pandemic and a redshirt year. He played two more seasons at Grambling.
“The coaches obviously won’t promise anything,” Hornsby said. “One thing they told me I can have a chance to compete right away. New coaches. New program. No favorites. I have a chance to compete for a starting job. I just have to come in and play.”
“I want to just quiet all the naysayers that say FCS to FBS is going to be hard,” Hornsby said. “I understand it’s going to be hard. But I’m coming up to play.”
Left guard is the one spot on the line where the Orange don’t return a starter from last season. Chris Bleich is out of eligibility.
Jakob Bradford is a returning starter at guard. Other guards with experience are expected to include Kalan Ellis, Josh Ilaoa, Joe More and Joe Cruz. Syracuse offensive tackles David Wohlabaugh, Enrique Cruz and Caleb Petry all have eligibility remaining.
While there appears to be more depth on the interior, one of them could also end up moving…
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