Former Delaware State defensive end Gabriel Sherrod will transfer to Syracuse, he announced on Twitter on Sunday evening.

The 6-foot-4, 255-pound graduate transfer played wide receiver for the Hornets until 2014, which is when he moved to defensive end. Last season, Sherrod ranked second in all of the Football Championship Subdivision with 2.3 tackles for loss per game (25 total).

In nine starts in 2014, Sherrod had 46 total tackles, 7.5 for a loss, and five sacks. He formerly played quarterback at Perryville (Maryland) High School.

Sherrod’s announcement came hours after Syracuse dismissed redshirt freshman Kenny Carter on Sunday morning. Carter was the fourth player dismissed this offseason after junior offensive lineman Alex Hayes, and rising sophomores Amir Ealey and Qaadir Sheppard.

Sherrod’s transfer helps an Orange defensive line that, until now, did not have a returning player who had played a snap at defensive end in college.

Ron Thompson left early for the NFL Draft, Donnie Simmons ran out of eligibility and Luke Arciniega chose to end his career. Between those three players, SU is tasked with replacing 87 tackles (20 for loss), 12 sacks and eight forced fumbles at the defensive end position.

SU returns redshirt freshman Jake Pickard and recently shifted two players to the position, redshirt junior Trey Dunkelberger from tight end and freshman Kenneth Ruff from linebacker.

Published on February 28, 2016 at 6:54 pm

Contact Sam: sjfortie@syr.edu | @Sam4TR