Throughout David Clement’s first two seasons at Syracuse, the tight end has been a crucial part of the run game.

“I don't have a problem blocking, being on the line, doing what I got to do,” Clement said. “Someone's got to do it, and I'll do it.”

But entering his third season with the Orange, Clement is now working to expand his game. He’s hoping to help fill the void left by Oronde Gadsden.

“He’s also really developing as a pass catcher,” said Jeff Nixon, the offensive coordinator for Syracuse. “He’s a big, wide, tight end to be able to catch the ball in the middle and make some plays in the passing game.”

So far this spring, Clement is certainly getting the opportunity, especially with senior Dan Villari limited due to the recovery from a shoulder injury.

“Knowing that I got to step up in that role, it’s what I've been training for the past two years,” Clement said. “So I'm ready to do it.”

It’s an opportunity Clement has been working for, even before Syracuse, when he was a dominant force for Christian Brothers Academy in Albany.

“It’s close to home. I mean can't get another Power Four school that close,” Clement said. “It was nice just being in state, being kind of the local kid.”

Just like he did at CBA, the upstate New York native is ready to be part of a group that takes the Orange to another level in head coach Fran Brown’s second season.

“Fran brings energy. Fran likes fast-paced practices,” Clement said. He makes sure everybody's moving, everybody's hitting, and it's just a different style of football.”

From the Capital Region to Central New York, Clement is making a name for himself, with more opportunities ahead this fall.