The Orange are returning just 34 career starts -- one of the lowest figures in the entire FBS.
The Syracuse Orange offensive line is going to have a lot of turnover this year, which can be a good or a bad thing depending on how you look at it. While it sets up well for a new coaching staff to start over, offensive line is an area where you like to see a lot of experience.
According to Phil Steele, the Orange are returning just 34 career starts combined on the offensive line this season. That's tied for a 110th out of 128 teams, and 14th (aka last) among ACC teams.
Of those starts, 30 are from RG Omari Palmer. LT Michael Lasker is the only other returning starter now after Seamus Shanley left the program.
The post spring depth-chart (which you shouldn't read too much into per Dino Babers), lists Lasker as first string left tackle, redshirt sophomore Aaron Roberts at left guard, redshirt senior Jason Emerich at center, Palmer at right guard, and redshirt junior Jamar McGloster at right tackle. Roberts and McGloster both saw playing time last season.
Returning players can occasionally be a decent predictor of a team's potential for the next season. While the Orange aren't bringing back much on the offensive line, they do return the third most experienced roster in the nation. It's on the coaching staff to help the offensive line progress throughout the season to make up for their lack of experience.
Interestingly enough, Coach Babers's old Bowling Green squad ranks first in the nation with returning OL starts. Between the group, BGSU returns 140 career starts.
