Syracuse Football: Top 5 new faces to watch in 2019 for the Orange

1. Ryan Alexander, OL

Let’s be honest with ourselves, it’s all about the big boys. We don’t give them enough credit for what they do. What is often the case in football: if we’re talking about offensive linemen, it’s never for a good reason. It’s usually because someone blew an assignment, but let’s stop that narrative right here, right now.

The straw that will stir the drink for the Orange in 2019 is going to be trench warfare. Tommy DeVito is going to need a clean pocket to throw from and the new and improved running game will need lanes.

That conversation starts and ends with the newest addition to the SU offensive line: Ryan Alexander. He’s a grad-transfer from South Alabama and Ryan brings a ton of size and potential at 6-foot-4 and weighing over 300 pounds.

Remember the impact grad-transfer Koda Martin had on the team last season? If Ryan Alexander can do the same thing for the Orange this season, they’ll be in great shape. Syracuse lost both of their starting tackles from last season with Cody Conway and the aforementioned Martin moving on.