The end of summer means college football preview guides and CBS Sports recently released its own, which included the ranking of all the Big East recruiting classes. It was a double insult to Orange Nation as Syracuse’s class ranked dead last and rival Rutgers rated first. However, Doug Marrone has reiterated before that recruiting services don‚Äôt always have much credibility and Syracuse doesn’t recruit according to the “star system.”
Judging by the results on the field, Marrone is doing just fine, thank you very much. Syracuse climbed into a bowl game in just his second year at the helm while the Scarlet Knights are picked to finish last in the conference. But CBS Sports isn’t the only outlet which has ranked RU’s recruiting class in the nation’s top 20 and Greg Schiano battles The Dougie consistently on the recruiting trail.
Looking ahead, while the ’12 class has several potential impact players, let’s hope it’s not remembered more for the big names who got away. From Chad Kelly to David Perkins to Jarron Jones, all the 5-star kids slipped out of the grasp of the Orange. Marrone told The Fizz at Big East Media Day it will take a very unique elite recruit to bring his talents to the Dome.
Hopefully that big name will be donning the Orange sooner rather than later. Syracuse can no doubt compete in the Big East with this level of talent, but taking the next step in recruiting is also a priority for the SU staff.
Regardless of some of the star players that chose elsewhere, this potential class should bring plenty of promise. Marrone clearly believes in his method of identifying kids early and offering them before the big boys jump into the fray. SU has also sought kids who may fly under the radar from services but can be molded into impact players.
It’s never easy to see Rutgers at the top of any list and Syracuse at the bottom – especially in a recruiting class. But don‚Äôt be alarmed, Marrone knows just a little bit more than the recruiting services. At least we can hope.
Posted: Alex Plavin
