David Wohlabaugh Sees Syracuse as 'Perfect Fit'

The Orange landed a legacy offensive lineman from the transfer portal.

Syracuse football added to a position of need on Monday as Kentucky transfer offensive lineman David Wohlabaugh committed following an official visit. 

"I was telling some of my friends when they heard the news, for me it was that I grew up, almost, in that area," Wohlabaugh said. "My grandparents being from Buffalo, I was up in that Upstate New York area a lot. For me, it felt very familiar. I think the coaching staff they have there is great. I think it's a perfect fit for me." 

Originally, the plan was to take other visits and then evaluate options. However, that changed after visiting Syracuse. 

"Just hearing on the phone from the coaches at Syracuse, I was hearing great things and stuff I wanted to hear," Wohlabaugh said. "It's almost kind of hard to realize it over the phone. So going there, putting voices with faces and getting to talk to people eye to eye, then watching the film and learning the offense they run. All of that solidified it for me. Being there in person with it." 

Syracuse and Wohlabaugh have discussed generalities regarding his role, but much of that is to be determine once he arrives. 

"We didn't really get into that too much," Wohlabaugh said. "Obviously, I think they want me to come in as a tackle. But it's more of a thing where I'm going to come in and see how things go from that standpoint. At Kentucky I was playing left and right side, I was even playing guard a little bit too. So I've been around all of the positions for sure." 

David's father, Dave Wohlabaugh, played for Syracuse from 1992-94 as an offensive lineman. He accompanied the younger Wohlabaugh on the visit, which was kind of a full circle moment for the family. 

"It was really cool," Wohlabaugh said. "I think it was a really cool experience for me and him. Coming down there, when we were driving up through the area, he was telling me stories and places I had never heard him talk about before. Kind of what they would do or even going around campus. He would reminisce a little bit, telling me he had classes in that building. It was cool to hear how his experience was while we were there.

"Both him and my mom were really happy for me. I think the great thing about my dad is he didn't really have an impact on me going there, if that makes sense. He wasn't pushing me to go there or anything. He would give me his thoughts, his experience there, but he wouldn't force me to go there. He reassured me that it was my decision and he wouldn't put anything on me, which I thought was really good." 

What should Syracuse fans expect from the 6-6, 321 pounder?

"I'm a hard working guy," Wohlabaugh said. "I just want to put my head down and work. I want to be a physical offensive lineman. A nasty dude who is going to try his best every play. That's who I am." 

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