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Syracuse Football: 3 Upperclassmen who need to step up in 2022

By Dante Pryor

Oct 31, 2020; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Dino Babers leads his team onto the field before a game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2020; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Dino Babers leads his team onto the field before a game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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:Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
:Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Dakota Davis: Offensive Tackle

Syracuse’s offensive line did not play well last season. The unit was beset by injuries, which challenged its lack of depth up and down the line. The poor offensive line play was one of the reasons for the switch in offensive philosophy. Coach Babers and offensive coordinator Robert Anae hope some key additions help the offensive line play this fall.

Offensive line coach Mike Schmidt is a crucial addition because of his reputation as an offensive line coach. During his time at San Diego State, Schmidt’s offensive line plowed holes for Rashaad Penny and Donnell Pumphrey. Penny led the nation in rushing in 2017, and Pumphrey became the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher.

Offensive guard Chris Bleich, whose transfer waiver was denied, is eligible to play this season. Bleich brings much-needed size and physicality to the Syracuse football offensive line.

Airon Servais is the only offensive lineman that will not be back next year. Coach Babers and coach Anae must like what they return at tackle with Dakota Davis and Matthew Bergeron. Bleich gives them stability on the interior, and center Carlos Vettorello is solid.

This veteran group should play much better, but they need to stay on the field.

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