All on the line: Da'Metrius Weatherspoon and the Syracuse o-line's season of potential
Da'Metrius Weatherspoon discusses his transition to Syracuse and where the offensive line stands with the season rapidly approaching.
With the season opener against Ohio at the JMA Dome less than a week away, attention is turning to a crucial part of the Syracuse football team: the offensive line. This year, the addition of Da'Metrius Weatherspoon, a standout transfer from Howard University, is generating optimism among fans and coaches. Given that last season's offensive line was one of the least productive in the conference, Weatherspoon's dominant presence could be crucial in revitalizing the unit.
Weatherspoon, who will don the No. 57 jersey, comes to Syracuse with an impressive résumé. At Howard, he started all 12 games at right tackle during the 2023 season, anchoring an offensive line that played a crucial role in the Bison's journey to the Cricket Celebration Bowl. His performances didn't go unnoticed; he earned the title of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week in September and was graded at 77.4 for the season by Pro Football Focus (PFF). While Howard competes at the FCS level, Weatherspoon's talent is undeniably transferable. His impressive PFF grade not only ranks him among the top offensive tackles in the country but also makes him the second-highest graded returning tackle in the ACC, just behind Duke's Micah Sahakian, underscoring his potential to make a significant impact at Syracuse. The Orange's offensive line, which has struggled in recent years, will certainly benefit from Weatherspoon's experience and skill.
Da'Metrius Weatherspoon always knew he was capable of playing at the highest level of competition, even when others doubted him. Weatherspoon says that he carries that chip on his shoulder every day, using it as motivation to prove himself at Syracuse. "Nobody believed in me when I got out of high school, for real for real. So I always, always have that stuck in the back of my head, like nobody believe in you, other than your family and friends," Weatherspoon said. "Then once I entered the portal and I transferred to Syracuse, it was like, 'Ah you don't think that's too much of a big jump for you?' I was just like, 'No, I've just got to bet on myself—I'll go all the way.'"
Last season, the Syracuse offensive line was the lowest-graded in the ACC by PFF in overall productivity and ranked 15th out of 17 in quarterback pressures allowed. Such statistics paint a concerning picture, especially with the arrival of transfer quarterback Kyle McCord, who is more comfortable as a pocket passer and not typically known for making plays with his legs under pressure. The offensive line's ability to protect McCord will be critical if Syracuse hopes to compete at their highest level this season.
However, there's reason to believe that this year could be different for the unit. The Orange have bolstered their roster with the addition of four transfers, including Weatherspoon, four scholarship freshmen, and one walk-on. Seven players from last year's depth chart return, including three of five starters. Despite the struggles of last season, these returning players, combined with the new talent, could provide the stability and protection McCord needs to thrive.
Referring specifically to his second-best returning tackle in the all-conference PFF ranking, Weatherspoon said that being recognized as one of the top players in his position is just the beginning for him. He's driven by the desire to not only meet expectations but to surpass them, striving for nothing less than being the best. Seeing and hearing the preseason hype is only a motivator for him. "It pushed me," Weatherspoon said. "Because with the coaching staff we have, they don't care. It was like, 'Oh, you think just because you're on that [preseason watchlist or ranking] ... it doesn't matter. You've got to still put that work in because that's preseason...things will change. But as long as you put in that work, then you can elevate even more...so you'd be number one instead of just being the second [best].' While Syracuse's offensive line returns four starters from last year, none earned a PFF grade above 60.0. Yet, with Weatherspoon bringing in a solid track record and the rest of the line having another year of experience, there's potential for significant improvement and for others to learn by example.
From the very beginning of camp, the offensive line was treated with a level of discipline and structure that highlighted its critical role in the team's success. The coaches made it clear that this group would need to be tougher, more resilient, and more mobile than ever before. To build that endurance and mental toughness, the coaching staff took an unconventional approach: they made the offensive line walk to practice for the first 10 days of camp.
Reflecting on this experience, Weatherspoon said that it was initially challenging, but ended up bonding the unit right from the start. "The first 10 days walking, when Coach took our keys—it was tough," Weatherspoon said. "But, you know, with your teammates and everything, walking with your group of friends, they make it easy…you get used to it. But like, that first four days, it was like…you get used to driving everywhere…but then it's back to the basics just walking." This tough love from the coaches sent a clear message: the road to improvement wouldn't be easy, but it's necessary for the line to meet the challenges that lie ahead this season.
For McCord to flourish in the upcoming games, the offensive line must elevate its performance. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued the line in recent years, but with a blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers like Da'Metrius Weatherspoon, there's potential for significant improvement in 2024. The season's success depends on whether this group can deliver when it matters most. With everything on the line—literally—this offensive line could be the foundation of a winning season, or if they falter, it could spell trouble for the Orange. The task is clear: step up and determine the trajectory of the season.
