​It’s time to start preparing for the 2026 Syracuse Orange football season. We’re going through the roster to take a look at each Syracuse player as we get to know a lot of new faces for Year 3 of the Fran Brown Era.Up next is…AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementName: Jarius RodgersPosition: Defensive lineYear: FreshmanHeight: 6’4”Weight: 225 lbs.Hometown: Fleming Island, FLHigh School/Previous College: Fleming Island High School2025 stats: N/A2026 projections: Rodgers brings plenty of intriguing traits to the table for the Orange: power off the edge, effort, size, and athleticism. As a long-term development option, he could very well be a cornerstone on the outside of the trenches and give the defense some burst. He likely won’t have much of a role in year one, but he’ll definitely get a few reps in Week 1 and will certainly be a name to watch for beyond this year.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHow’d he get here?: Committed to the Orange over offers from Notre Dame, Florida State, SMU, Georgia Tech, West Virginia, Vanderbilt, Michigan State, Cincinnati, Nebraska, and other schools.What’d recruiting sites say?: Four stars on ESPN and three stars on 247Sports and On3Social Media:X: @Not_JRod9Instagram: @not__jrodInteresting nugget o’interest: Rodgers also has a background as a track and field athlete. In 2025, he finished 10th in the 110-meter hurdles at the 3A FHSAA State Track & Field Championships. He also had multiple top-three finishes in different events at the FHSAA 3A District 3 level.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLet’s get a look at ya: Rodgers’ best plays from senior year, including a few special plays on special teams:View Link