Get to Know Your Orange Man: #61, DT Joe Rondi

Name: Joe Rondi

Position: Defensive tackle

Year: (Redshirt) Freshman

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 269 lbs

Hometown: Wayne, N.J.

High School: Wayne Hills

2019 stats: Took advantage of the four-game redshirt rule by playing in two games while still maintaining his redshirt. Didn’t record any stats in those games.

2020 projections: It’s a stacked defensive line all around that’s filled not only with talent but with experience as well. Rondi’s probably fighting an uphill battle for a backup position, especially with some reinforcements on the way. That’s not necessarily a bad thing - he’s got a lot of time left to move up the depth chart. But for this season, Rondi’s probably looking at limited game action once again.

How’d he get here?: While it’s great that Rondi chose SU over Buffalo, it’s even better that Rondi turned down in-state school and inferior option Rutgers to play in Orange. These are the level-headed decisions that make fans realize that there are smart players on this ‘Cuse roster.

What’d recruiting sites say?: Three stars from everyone. What we like to see.

Money quote: Sometimes all you need to do is lie down in bed to realize that Syracuse is in fact a much better option than playing for Rutgers.

“It just came to me,” Rondi said during a phone interview Thursday morning. “It came to my heart. Syracuse.”

Twitter feed: @joerondi61

Tweets of wonder: The customary congratulatory tweet from coach.

What movie would Dino recommend for him?: “Atlantic City” stars Susan Sarandon and Burt Lancaster. You’ve probably guessed the premise of the film - a casino croupier gets entangled with the mob. What’s even more impressive is this movie got a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Interesting nugget o’interest: Patriots fans look away. Rondi’s family is neighbors with former SU and New York Giants wideout David Tyree. Yes. That David Tyree.

Let’s get a look at ya: What does Syracuse D-Line coach Vince Reynolds have to say about Rondi?