Syracuse football star receiver Oronde Gadsden II, a preseason All-American candidate, was injured early on in the Orange’s home game on Saturday afternoon against Western Michigan at the JMA Wireless Dome.
As reported by Emily Leiker of Syracuse.com, the 6-foot-5, 223-pound junior appeared to injure his ankle after hauling in a 10-yard reception from senior quarterback Garrett Shrader in the first quarter of this non-conference encounter on the Hill.
Leiker wrote, “While he was able to walk off the field on his own, (Gadsden) was limping. After a few minutes in the tent, a trainer took Gadsden to the locker room.”
A little bit later on in this game, Leiker reported that Oronde Gadsden II would be out for the rest of this contest, with her adding that he is “on the sideline with crutches and a boot on his right foot.”
My fingers are crossed that this talented young man is okay over the long term. Obviously, if he were to miss additional time, that would be a big blow to the Orange’s receiving corps, but it’s too early to know what will happen beyond this particular game.
Syracuse football standout receiver Oronde Gadsden II has suffered an injury.
Gadsden, in the 2022 season when the ‘Cuse went 7-6 overall and reached a bowl game, caught 61 passes for 969 yards and six receiving touchdowns. He was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference’s All-ACC first team.
Last Saturday, in the 2023 season opener for Syracuse football, Gadsden had six receptions for 57 receiving yards and one score. The Orange rolled in that non-conference game, routing fellow Central New York foe Colgate, 65-0.
Oronde Gadsden II, who is from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is part of a talented receiving room for the ‘Cuse, one that has depth. However, there’s no question that Gadsden is the team’s top receiving target.
He was named to The Associated Press’ preseason All-America second team prior to the 2023 campaign commencing. He was also on the preseason watch lists for numerous national honors, including this year’s Biletnikoff Award and Maxwell Award.
When I published this column, Syracuse football was leading Western Michigan, 31-7, in the second quarter. The Orange will next travel to Big Ten Conference member Purdue on Saturday, Sept. 16, with a scheduled 7:30 pm kick-off.
Sending love and positive vibes to Oronde Gadsden II.