Syracuse football has found a sweet spot on the recruiting trail this summer raising the total commitments for the ’12 class to 16. The rate at which SU has reeled in commitments has been incredible. Without web access for a day? You probably missed the newest recruit’s verbal. No worries ‘Cuse fans, The Fizz catches you up on this recent¬†surge that has put The Dougie’s summer near the top of the Big East.
Here’s how Syracuse’s July looks:
Tashon Whitehurst, OLB – Gainesville HS (Gainesville, FL)
Whitehurst (pictured) is an undersized player that displays great quickness and hands for a linebacker. Tashon absolutely tore it up last season posting 124 tackles, seven sacks and two fumble recoveries. He’ll have to bulk up to play linebacker in the college ranks. Sources say Whitehurst‚Äôs commitment is a soft one, and if big time SEC schools like LSU or Florida gain more interest in him he wont hesitate to play is college ball down south. As of now, the linebacker is in SU‚Äôs hands.
Julian Whigham, DB – Dwyer HS (Palm Beach Gardens, FL)
Whigham is a two-way player for football powerhouse Dwyer. He hasn‚Äôt had a chance to make his mark since last season he dealt with a health issue known as achalasia. It’s a condition that prevents food from leaving the esophagus. But JW has wheels, and is ready to show off his speed. He is at full strength now and ready to turn heads this coming season.
Ben Lewis, WR – Middletown HS (Middletown, MD)
The Fizz loves Lewis’ work ethic, hard play and reckless abandon. He was a stud last season on both offense and defense, catching 48 passes for 911 yards and 13 touchdowns to go along with 73 tackles and eight sacks. While he might not be the most sought after recruit, he is without question a player you want on your team.
Dontez Ford, ATH – Sto-Rox HS (McKees Rocks, PA)
Ford is like Lewis in that you won’t find his face all over the big recruiting services. But the truth is, he can play. Dontez is a versatile athlete that plays wide receiver and DB, and can return kicks as well. He is projected to play safety for SU. Ford was also named to the second team all-league selection for the Big Seven Football Conference. But what’s also making fans giddy about Ford is being the teammate of highly touted four-star prospect Deaysean Rippy, who has been offered a scholarship by Syracuse. Will Dontez‚Äôs commitment to SU affect Rippy‚Äôs decision to play college ball? That is yet to be seen.
Marcus Coleman, DT – Camden Catholic HS (Cherry Hills, NJ)
Coleman is another under the radar player. A main reason for that is last season a nagging ankle limited him to play only offensive line. But the big DT is eager to prove that he is at full strength and ready to dominate the defensive side of the ball this season. MC is an aggressive player that doesn’t take plays off.
These five newest Orange all say the relationship with the coaching staff is a main reason for their commitments. It’s been a red hot start this month on the recruiting trail for Marrone, and hopefully there’s more to come. Check The Fizz daily for updates on potential recruits and news on players who will be wearing Orange next season.
Posted: Dave Van Moffaert
