Get to Know Your Orange Man: #55, OL Josh Ilaoa

Name: Josh Ilaoa

Position: Offensive line

Year: Freshman

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 304 lbs.

Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.

High School: Mallard Creek

2020 stats: Played in nine of eleven contests, primarily on the XP/FG squad but did get some run on the line in live play as well. Became the next man in as a true freshman due to a few factors and made a solid impression.

2021 projections: Should factor into the two-deep and is a good look for the future in the middle of the line. Last year in this same article in inadvertently talked about how deep the line was before it getting decimated by injury. We’re going to note again that this player pool is the deepest we’ve seen in years and hope I don’t jinx everything again.

How’d he get here?: Hawaii, Illinois, East Carolina and Kent State and others, offered Ilaoa, before he chose Orange.

What’d recruiting sites say?: Three stars all around.

Money quote: The former two-way standout talked about his versatility and where he’d end up at Syracuse in an interview with the Post Standard —

“I am going to be playing guard, but don’t be surprised if I’m playing anything else,” Ilaoa said. “What makes me different is that I am very athletic and versatile.”

Twitter feed: @honchojosh

Tweets of wonder: Squat reps for days. That’s lineman strength right there. —

What movie would Dino recommend for him?: We’re going for a fun and fancy free romp through the Marvel universe with Deadpool 2. Starring Ryan Reynolds as the titular wisecracking mercenary with a face that looks like a topographical map of Utah. He is joined by Josh Brolin as everyone’s favorite time traveling Summers family member, Cable.

Interesting nugget o’interest: Josh is related to Nate Ilaoa, who you may remember as the running back on those early ‘00, Colt Brennan led Hawaii teams. At 5-foot-9 and 245, Nate was built like he could play line if he wanted to as well.

Let’s get a look at ya: Signing video for your viewing pleasure —