For the last few seasons, Marlowe Wax and Justin Barron have been crucial leaders for Syracuse's defense.

“It’s been a blessing. I mean, I always prayed to be in a position and God blessed me enough to be right here,” Wax said.

It’s been a long journey for Wax to get here, at the doorsteps of the NFL. The linebacker’s career at Syracuse has been filled with ups and downs and everything in between.

“I’m not trying to take anything for granted,” Wax said recently after his Pro Day workout. “Just really trying to go through the process, just really being thankful for it all and that's what I'm doing right now.” 

Throughout this five-year process, fellow teammate Barron has been with him every step of the way.

“He was the life of the team. He was the heart and soul of our defense,” Barron said. “When you see the way that everyone gels around him, he was like a big brother to a lot of guys on this team, so it's awesome to have him.”

Barron’s move from wide receiver to safety to eventually linebacker brought the duo closer with each position change.

“Marlowe (Wax) has been playing that position for five years now and having him next to me and helping me throughout every down, throughout every practice, throughout meetings, it’s the biggest help you can ask for,” Barron said. 

That relationship on and off the field has continued, while they push each other to make their dreams of playing in the NFL tangible.

“It means everything. Just be able to be out here with [Alijah Clark, Justin Barron and Kyle McCord], just doing something that we've been dreaming about the whole time,” Wax said. “But definitely for me, it's been a long time.”

With just weeks until the NFL draft, Barron and Wax are showing they have what it takes to continue playing linebacker at the next level recently at Syracuse's Pro Day.

“Just first being grateful to be out here,” Wax said. “But other than that, just try and put on the show, the field work, show how explosive I am.” 

“You get a plug and play guy, someone who’s going to know the entire defense in and out and someone who's going to show up and be the same person every day,” Barron said. “I think that's what I've been able to do in my time here.”

It’s a final pitch to NFL teams, as they hope to continue this football journey, believing there are still more chapters to be written.

“It's surreal,” Wax said. “I’m really thankful for it.”