Clarifying Cuse’s QB Carousel: The Fizz Connects Syracuse’s Recruiting Dots

D.A. | Jun 03, 2012 | Comments 12

The addition of Zach Allen this week to a loaded list of possible Syracuse quarterback recruits has The Fizz pondering how this will all shake out under center.

Doug Marrone has clearly been looking to create more big plays offensively, and the passing game with Ryan Nassib has been limited at best. With an impending move to the ACC, SU is looking for a more creative style of moving the ball down the field.

Allen joins a crowded race for Nassib’s successor, with Ashton Broyld, Jon Kinder and Terrel Hunt already on the team. But the Orange is not standing pat. Marrone has been sending out offers to quarterback recruits like Facebook friend requests.

So who should SU target most aggressively? Should it lock in on a prototype with the big arm, a more accurate guy who keeps it simple, or the dual-threat style to widen the playbook?

The Fizz clarifies the Class of ’13 and ’14 options under center for Syracuse:

Zach Allen: Temple, TX, 6’3″ 185 lbs. Class of 2013.
Committed

The 3-star Allen made big waves in the Orange community this week. Only the second Texas product to commit to SU in the past six years, Allen was also offered by Minnesota and New Mexico. Oklahoma State and Baylor were also looking at him. Allen says the biggest factor was how the Orange came after him early. Allen runs a fast 4.5 40 yard dash, and can sling it a little bit too. Zach told The Fizz he hates losing. Allen stands out for those around him for his leadership qualities.

Austin Wilson: East Pennsboro, PA, 6’3″ 205 lbs. Class of 2013.
Committed

Wilson started SU’s quarterback frenzy with his commitment. He had an offer from Eastern Michigan, but reportedly Pitt, Rutgers and Wisconsin were also looking at him. Austin loved that he was not considered a “back-up” option for the Orange, although things now get interesting with the addition of Zach Allen. Arm strength and accuracy are Wilson’s greatest strengths, and is considered a sleeper by some.

DeShone Kizer: Toledo, OH, 6’5″ 207 lbs. Class of 2014.
Offered

Kizer’s strength and gifted versatility are making major programs’ heads turn. He’s also received offers from Boston College, Illinois and Louisville going into his junior season. The 4-star dual-threat QB already has NFL height and frame. For such a big guy, he moves very well in the pocket and makes it look easy. He’s been compared to the Bucs’ Josh Freeman. Kizer’s stock will continue to grow over the next two seasons, but SU was once again one of the first to offer.

A.J. Long: Bangor, PA, 6’0″ 170 lbs. Class of 2014.
Offered

Long is gaining attention from some of powers of the Midwest in Wisconsin, Penn State and Pitt. He also has an offer from UCLA going into his junior campaign. Irish Illustrated says Notre Dame has added him to its recruiting board. For Pius X HS, Long can throw it long, and beat you on the ground. He is a dual-threat scare that can worry many opposing teams.

Tim Boyle: Middletown, CT, 6’4″ 215 lbs. Class of 2013.
Offered

A year ago, SU offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett saw Boyle play and it didn’t take long for an Orange offer to follow. Since then, scholarships have arrived from Boston College and UConn. More recently, Pitt extended a letter to Boyle. Finally, Florida also joined the fray. His head coach told The Fizz every school is on equal footing right now. Boyle’s a winner, having led his squad to back-to-back state titles, and is considered the top quarterback prospect in Connecticut.

Asiantii Woulard: Winter Park, FL, 6’4″ 205 lbs. Class of 2013.
Recruiting

The used-to-be Bull de-committed from USF and now the 3-star QB has the Orange on a long list of possible destinations. Florida, Florida State, Oregon and Tennessee have all shown interest. Incoming Syracuse LB James Washington was a teammate of AW, and could be clutch in nabbing the signal caller. Again, AW provides the dual-threat presence Syracuse has been looking for. He has a gifted throwing ability and comfort in the pocket. Never a bad thing to have players doing some of the selling for your program.

So which of the quarterbacks do you most want Syracuse to reel in?

Posted: Brendan Glasheen