Syracuse announced that tight end Dan Villari has emerged as the team’s top receiving threat after replacing Oronde Gadsden II, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Villari leads the ACC in tight end receiving yards with 199 through three games.
He ranks second nationally among tight ends, trailing only Oklahoma’s Jaren Kanak, according to Pro Football Focus data.
Interesting note after a spin through PFF. Among players listed as TEs on PFF, Syracuse’s Dan Villari leads the ACC in receiving yards (199) though 3 games and is second in the country behind Oklahoma’s Jaren Kanak (242).
The Orange coaching staff has found multiple ways to use Villari’s skill set. He originally signed with Michigan as a quarterback out of high school before transferring to Syracuse and switching positions.
Syracuse deploys Villari in various offensive packages beyond traditional tight end routes. He handles goal-line quarterback sneaks and serves as a Wildcat formation rusher when needed.
Villari rushed for 326 yards during the 2023 season. The Orange have focused primarily on his receiving abilities this year.
His lowest production came during Syracuse’s 66-point victory over Colgate in Week 3, despite the team’s offensive explosion.
The versatility makes Villari different from most tight ends nationally. Syracuse expects him to remain a consistent offensive weapon throughout the season.
