(Update: 4:01p The Fizz has learned Al Golden has been the difference-maker in the Ishaq Sweepstakes. A source tells us one of the first tasks Golden made a priority was visiting Ishaq’s home. The new Miami coach was tipped off to Williams’ long-time fascination with the defenses at the “U.” Golden – in his trademark ability to leave no stone unturned – flew to New York City and made an in-house visit to Ishaq immediately upon being named ‘Canes head coach.
Sources tell us Ishaq’s announcement may not wait until National Signing Day. He still plans on early enrollment at the school he chooses. It seems pretty concrete now, Miami has become a big time player in the race for Ishaq.
1:01p Rumors fly that Ishaq has postponed his announcement and will visit Miami before making his decision. Williams had been scheduled to commit this weekend during the All-America Bowl festivities in San Antonio. It had looked like it was been between Syracuse and Notre Dame. The arrival of aggressive Al Golden may have changed the game for Ishaq. Reportedly, Ishaq grew up watching Hurricanes games and has always felt a connection to the dominant defensive lineage the Canes have produced. Ishaq has almost a month until National Signing Day, Feb. 2nd. Follow @orangefizz for constant Twitter updates on this developing story.)
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The Fizz has spoken to a person close to Ishaq’s family and the buzz sounds good for Syracuse’s chances at landing the elite prospect Saturday.
Us media types always have to ask “what does it¬†mean?” It‚Äôs not enough to simply know something, we also have to also peel back another layer. What does Ishaq Williams’ dad wearing a Notre Dame hat mean? Apparently nothing. Papa Williams was rocking an Orange lid at Tuesday morning‚Äôs¬†practice for the All-America Bowl.
(For the record, Dad sported a Yankees cap Monday afternoon and a Padres hat¬†Tuesday afternoon. Penn State is definitely out of the mix if the Lions can’t beat out an NL West squad.)
The Fizz will have daily I-Team reports all week. Hit us up daily and follow us on Twitter @orangefizz
We know as fact that the dynamic defensive end was at the Pinstripe Bowl. The Fizz has spoken to a person close with Ishaq, who uncovered terrific news about the experience. The source spoke to Ishaq immediately after the game and said he felt extremely loved.
For the entirety of the game, Orange Nation was approaching¬†Ishaq and imploring him to ‚ÄúCome to ‘Cuse! Come to ‘Cuse!‚Äù
- Syracuse fans, job well done.
- According to our little bird, Ishaq loved every second of it, which enhances the “family feel” that HCDM and crew are trying to sell.
If you‚Äôll remember, one of the key points during Ishaq‚Äôs visit was Scott Shafer pelting him with¬†a snowball. Family is enormous to him, and that‚Äôs what could bring him to Syracuse. This is¬†a young man who lost his younger brother, whom he considered his best friend, when he was¬†shot and killed. Ishaq’s entire high school team acted as family and spent most of the next few weeks at his house during the grieving.
If Syracuse can recreate that feeling as he goes away to college it will be the key to his recruitment. Often lost in the madness is an 18-year-old kid who’s deciding where to spend his first time away from home.
Final tidbit which could mean a huge day for SU Saturday: A Fizz source close to the family told us there will be a moratorium on phone contact this week leading up to the announcement. This decision was made at the recommendation of none other than Doug Marrone.
If the family is listening to Marrone for advice before he commits, that clearly shows the relationship and respect shared. Ishaq and his father are incredibly close, and one would imagine dad would only trust him with a coach he believes in.
If Ishaq goes to Notre Dame, it‚Äôs the scheme, the coaching staff, and¬†the history.¬†If he chooses SU, it’s because he wants to be a part of a family and¬†what Marrone is building.
What would the addition of Ishaq Williams mean? That in just two short years, Syracuse football is back.
Posted: Craig Hoffman
