Quarterbacking the defense: Marlowe Wax leading Syracuse’s defensive transition

Syracuse linebacker Marlowe Wax is leading the Orange defense as it changes schemes ahead of the 2024 season.

With the 2024 season on the horizon, veteran linebacker Marlowe Wax is not just adapting to defensive change—he's leading it. Wax has embraced the shift under first-year co-defensive coordinators Elijah Robinson and Robert Wright, transitioning so seamlessly that he's become the driving force behind the new-look Orange defense. Entering his final year of eligibility, Wax has taken on the role of mentor, vocal leader, and standard-bearer, guiding his teammates through this new era of Syracuse football.

Wax's journey to becoming the anchor of Syracuse's defense has been marked by steady improvement and an increasing level of recognition. Last season, Wax was named to the All-ACC Second Team after racking up 110 tackles—third most in the conference—along with four sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss or no gain, ranking him among the top linebackers in the ACC. His performance earned him a spot on the preseason All-ACC team this year, one of only two Syracuse players to receive the honor, alongside Oronde Gadsden.

Now, as the 2024 season looms, Wax's role is more critical than ever. Syracuse's defense is transitioning to a 4-2-5 scheme, which emphasizes defending the middle of the field and forcing plays outside to the exterior players. This new system demands versatility and adaptability—traits that Wax has in spades. In this defense, the linebackers and safeties work from the inside out, aiming to spill plays to the perimeter where athletes have the leverage advantage. Linebackers coach Robert Wright says Marlowe Wax and his fellow linebackers play a critical leadership role in Syracuse's new defensive scheme. 

"I tell them [the veteran linebackers] that they're the quarterbacks of the defense. So, a lot of things that we run, there's a bunch of different checks that we have to make, different formations, different sets, like splits, adjustments, alignments, things like that. They're really the ones who get that across to the entire defense and make sure everybody's on the same page. It's not an easy defense. It's complex. There's a lot of nuanced things to it," Wright said.

Wax's commitment to his leadership role is clear in how he's embraced the challenges of the new defensive scheme. Despite the added layers of complexity, Coach Wright notes that Wax has taken on the challenge with enthusiasm, seeing it as preparation for the next level.

"Just from talking with Marlowe, I can tell that there's a lot more layers to this defense this year, and that's put a little bit of stress on him. But it's the kind of stress that he's really dove into. A lot of the things that we do are preparing him for the next level," Wright said. 

Indeed, Wax's decision to return to Syracuse rather than declare for the NFL speaks to his commitment to both his team and his personal growth. The new defensive system may put additional stress on him, but it's the kind of stress that Wax welcomes, understanding that it will only make him a more complete player.

The recognition of Wax's talents extends beyond the Syracuse campus. He was recently named to the watch list for the Butkus Award, which honors the nation's top linebacker, marking the second consecutive year he has received this recognition. This honor, coupled with his preseason All-ACC selection, showcases his status as one of the premier defensive players in college football.

With a challenging schedule ahead, Syracuse's success will heavily depend on Wax's performance. Barring injury, he is a strong candidate to make the All-ACC team once again and could potentially elevate his game to an All-American level. His ability to lead, adapt, and execute will be crucial as Syracuse looks to make a mark in the ACC this season.

In a defense filled with returning talent, including key players like safety Justin Barron and defensive backs Duce Chestnut and Alijah Clark, Wax stands out not only for his statistics but for his intangibles. His leadership and football IQ make him the glue that holds the Orange defense together, ensuring that the unit operates cohesively and efficiently.

As the 2024 season kicks off in just 11 short days, Marlowe Wax has more than just team success on his mind—he's building his resume for the next level. With one final season to flex his skills and prove his leadership, Wax isn't just aiming to anchor a formidable Syracuse defense—he's making his case as an NFL prospect. Every play, every adjustment, and every tackle will be another step in proving he's ready for the professional stage.