Axe: An undeniable buzz builds around one Syracuse football wideout (podcast)

Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse football defensive tackle Dion “Tank” Wilson Jr. didn’t have to think long and hard when I asked him this week the offensive players giving the Orange defense the biggest headaches in training camp so far.

“That’s easy,” Wilson Jr. said. “(Orange QB) Kyle McCord and (wide receiver) Yazeed (Haynes). Those two right there are a deadly connection. As soon as I think I’m getting close to Kyle McCord to get a sack, I just see the ball leave his hand and see Yazeed catching it. I’m glad I’m going into the season with those two guys. That’s going to be hard to cover.”

Syracuse head coach Fran Brown didn’t want to rank the wide receivers when asked where they stood in the offensive rotation earlier this week but walked away from the podium singing Haynes’ praises.

Those of you that have been enjoying the new EA Sports College Football ‘25 video game also know that Haynes has a high speed rating and is a go-to player to score digital touchdowns.

McCord will have no shortage of receiving targets to connect with this season.

Oronde Gadsden II, a 2025 NFL Draft prospect, is back healthy and is SU’s clear No. 1 receiving target.

Georgia-transfer Jackson Meeks, a two-time national champion, has established himself as a leader in the room.

Umari Hatcher, SU’s leading receiver in terms of 2023 yardage (482 yards) is back in the fold and often working with the offense’s top unit.

Dan Villari will put a primary focus on playing tight end after serving multiple roles in SU’s MacGyver offense a season ago.

Trebor Pena returns from an injury-plagued 2023 season and gives McCord a safety valve.

Transfer Justus Ross-Simmons, a Rochester native, has missed some time in camp due to a hamstring injury, but brings 1,148 receiving yards and six touchdowns from Colorado State to the Orange rotation.

Darrell Gill Jr. has received praise from Brown a few times during camp and can’t be left out of the conversation.

Even freshman Emanuel Ross has flashed in camp (and made a couple nice plays on SU’s debut episode of ACC-All Access).

There are many ways the football can fly when McCord drops back to pass in 2024, but make no mistake about it, Haynes is going to command it comes his way often.

Syracuse.com’s Emily Leiker and I discussed that, how a key position on the Orange offensive line is coming into focus and more on the latest episode of “Syracuse Sports.”

You can check out the full episode in the YouTube clip above.

Contact Brent Axe: Email | X | Voicemail 315-552-1964