Syracuse football returns three of four starters along the defensive line. Two of those returning starters are defensive ends Alton Robinson and Kendall Coleman, who each finished with 10 sacks in 2018. They were the only teammates with double digit sacks in the ACC last season, and only teammates in the top five in the conference in that category. That, combined with Clemson losing four defensive line starters, is why some believe the Orange will have the best unit in the ACC next season.

Among them is ESPN ACC analyst David Hale, who tweeted out his defensive line rankings for the upcoming season. Of course, this could change, but is still very high praise for Syracuse and a testament to the way the coaching staff has reshaped the roster.

My 2019 ACC DL rankings:

1. Cuse

2. Clemson

3. Miami

4. FSU

5. Pitt

6. NCSU

7. UVA

8. WF

9. Duke

10. UNC

11. VT

12. BC

13. Lou

14. GT — That's so David (@ADavidHaleJoint) July 12, 2019

Clemson has put many defensive linemen into the NFL in recent years, and recruits at an extremely high level. Of their projected starters next season, they have one former five star and three former four star prospects. The fact that Syracuse is even in the discussion with a program like that says quite a bit. It speaks to the talent the coaching staff has developed, the quality of the athlete they are bringing in and the strength and conditioning program.

Syracuse's big defensive line loss is Chris Slayton, who has spent the last few seasons as a starting defensive tackle and staple of the Orange defense. Now, he is gone and Josh Black is presumed to step in. But there is depth along the defensive line, part of why Syracuse's ranking is as high as it is according to Mr. Hale.

Kingsley Jonathan finished last season with five sacks and in the top 20 in the conference. Kenneth Ruff was in the defensive tackle rotation all of last season and has a lot of experience. Brandon Berry is a quality backup who has played quite a bit as well. Waiting in the wings are young talented players like Zach Morton, Caleb Okechukwu, Andrew Tuazama and Curtis Harper. For all of those reasons, fans and experts should be high on the Syracuse defensive line entering the season.

Will it end up better than Clemson's? Or Miami's? Or others such as Florida State or Boston College? Obviously that remains to be seen, but no one returns the level of production along the defensive line that Syracuse does. They were a big reason why Syracuse was sixth in the country in sacks and second in the ACC. In fact, the Orange's 43 sacks last season set a school record.

Syracuse opponents should be ready for a relentless pass rush and a talented defensive line that should be among the most disruptive in the nation. And perhaps the best in the ACC.