Baltimore’s finest will lead the charge on defense for one more year!
It’s been a week full of good news for Syracuse Orange football. Justin Barron gave ‘Cuse fans a Christmas present by announcing he would be returning to the team for a final season, then Oronde Gadsden followed him up with the same news on Tuesday. That left one other big return on the table for 2024… and the third member of the Draft-watch trifecta just made it official.
Linebacker Marlowe Wax, a defensive captain and the team’s leading tackler, has decided to remain a member of the Orange as well.
Make The Decision Right. pic.twitter.com/6JerDd0PXK
— Marlowe Wax Jr (@MarloweWax) December 27, 2023
Wax had a career best 108 tackles and four forced fumbles in 2023, while also picking up four sacks and his first interception. The 6’1″, 230 lbs. Baltimore native could have tried to cash in on his great campaign by entering the NFL Draft – instead, he’ll run it back for a fifth year in Syracuse.
The Orange defense can certainly use his leadership as they transition under first-time DC Elijah Robinson. We don’t know if the group will remain in the 3-3-5 or switch to another formation, but either way, this side of the ball is looking fairly deep throughout.
This decision is similar to one made Wax’s predecessor as LBs captain: Mikel Jones returned for the 2022 season after the team fell just short of a bowl game the year before. There’s more unfinished business from this group of veterans, who look to guide SU to a third straight postseason appearance and begin Fran Brown’s tenure with as much of a bang on the field as the new head coach has made off it.