Last night’s NFL Draft sent several local college football stars to the pros. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted former Syracuse University running back Lequint Allen in round 7. Allen leaves Syracuse as one of just six running backs in school history with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.

He set a program record for most receptions (119) and receiving yards (848) by a Syracuse running back.

Allen finished his career fifth on the school’s list for total touchdowns (32), trailing only Floyd Little (46), Walter Reyes (46), Ernie Davis (35) and Eric Dungey (35).

Former defensive lineman Fadil Diggs heads to New Orleans. The Saints selected him in Round 7.

The Philadelphia Eagles selected quarterback Kyle McCord in round six. McCord spent a year at SU after transferring from Ohio State and led the team to a 10-win season for the first time since 2018.

McCord went 22-4 as a starting quarterback at Syracuse and Ohio State. McCord led the nation with 4,779 passing yards in 2024 and led Syracuse to a 10-win season and a victory over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl.

He broke the ACC season passing record in 2024 and the 10-win season marked the program’s first since 2018.

Star tight end Oronde Gadsden is going to the Los Angeles Chargers. He was a round five pick. Gadsden made 73 catches and caught 7 touchdowns in his final year with SU. He set new school records for career receptions (141) and yards (1,970) by a tight end.