Syracuse is always looking for more power along the trenches, and Harold Brantley may just deliver that. He’s turning heads with a huge senior season and SU coaches are salivating over what they snared. Brantley committed to SU back in June, adding¬†to an already exciting 2012 class, choosing the Orange over Penn State, Pitt and UConn. The 6‚Äô2‚Äô‚Äô 280 lb. defensive tackle/fullback from Hershey, PA is an animal on the field. He’s coming off a solid junior season where he dominated in the middle. Brantley also rushed for 327 yards and three touchdowns last year. This season Harold has taken his game to another level and become a monster.
Besides being a roadblock in the middle of the defense, Brantley has nimble feet and can carry the rock. It must be frightening seeing a 280-pound with 4.8/40 speed trucking through holes. He already has 590 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns this season. HB also returned a kickoff to pay dirt this season for the Trojans. Yes, reread that sentence again. How many interior lineman are returning KICKOFFS for touchdowns? Syracuse may have mined a gem from the Keystone State.
Brantley will not carry the rock for the Orange, but instead clog up the middle and disrupt the running game. When he committed to SU, he saw himself as a great addition to an up and coming Syracuse program.
“First, I think I am an every-down tackle. I may not make every tackle but I constantly disrupt the offense.‚Äù
And for his greatest asset on the field?
“My pursuit to the ball, decent speed for my size and the fact I can take on two blockers at a time are what I feel are my strengths.”
But imagine Brantley coming in for short yardage situations and goal line play. It would be shades of “The Fridge” rumbling and bumbling into the end zone 25 years ago for the Chicago Bears. Get your Syracuse Shuffle on Brantley!
Speed, strength and athleticism are the classic traits that Doug Marrone looks for and Harold has all three. Speed kills, and getting a quick jump off the line is critical for lineman. He’s fast and athletic for a lineman and should be able to get into the backfield quickly. At 280 pounds, he is a load in the middle as well.
Harold loves Syracuse and is excited to wear Orange next season. A main reason for him choosing SU is the academics that ‘Cuse offers. He plans on going into communications, and potentially the renowned Newhouse program.
Brantley has already started gaining steam as a fan favorite for Orange fans following the incoming football class.¬†HB is another future Orange getting fans giddy. SU can’t wait to¬†add another impact recruit that will have an impact on the program down the road.
Posted: Dave Van Moffaert
