Syracuse Football: Four Orange players score invites to the East-West Shrine Bowl

Following practice on Tuesday, Oct. 29, the Syracuse football team learned that four of their team leaders received an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl on January 30, 2025.

Syracuse tight end Oronde Gadsden II, quarterback Kyle McCord, defensive lineman Fadil Diggs and defensive back Alijah Clark are the four who received the honor. Congratulations to all four men who played hard and deserved this honor.

For those unaware, the East-West Shrine Bowl, established in 1925, honors college football seniors by giving them one last game against others in front of NFL scouts to earn invitations to the NFL draft combine.

It is also a cool way that Shriners Children's raises money and awareness for a special place that cares for sick children and their families. One of the game traditions includes players visiting the children and learning more about the hospital itself.

Four Syracuse football players have earned invites to the East-West Shrine Bowl.

As for our players, Alijah Clark transferred from Rutgers in 2022 and has made a huge impact on the Syracuse Orange secondary since joining the program. He had 65 tackles last season, while playing in all 13 games (12 as a starter).

Fadil Diggs transferred from Texas A&M before the 2024 season and has been a great presence in the trenches. It's my honest opinion that he will only get better if he stays healthy as the season progresses and prove to be an NFL-level talent who will shine in this game.

Oronde Gadsden II might be in the NFL right now if not for a season-ending injury last season in the first game and has been a dependable offensive weapon catching and blocking when necessary. He definitely has the size and ability that NFL scouts will love.

And last but certainly not least, Kyle McCord is the heart and soul of this team. Since transferring from Ohio State after last season. with his only loss against the national champion Michigan Wolverines, Kyle has provided the Syracuse fanbase with a level of excitement that one doesn't see often.

His leadership and passing accuracy are such that even after two losses, I still believe he is capable of helping this team win many more games before he graduates and can become a potential first or second-round draft pick.

Congratulations to all four men, and I am looking forward to not only seeing you in the East-West Shrine Bowl, but also finishing the season strongly. As I said with Fadil, I fully expect all four men and this team to finish strongly and not disappoint the fans. These four are a great representation of the talent that exists, and why I refuse to believe this season is even close to over.