The greeting cards have been sent, the lights and tree are up, and the turkey is in the oven. Your Christmas is well underway, but this year, there’s still some presents to open for SU‚Äôs 2012 recruiting class. The Fizz has you covered – just refer to our wish list below.
By the way, here‚Äôs a warning for all members of the SU athletic staff: We’re NOT talking to you (NCAA regulations prohibit that). So let’s add a pinch of holiday cheer to a season as we have to swallow our pride and watch Crazy Eyes Schiano and Rutgirls beat up on Iowa State in the Pinstripe Bowl in a few days.
SU football is sitting home for the holidays, so someone needs to keep Keon Lyn away from the spiked egg nog. Who knows what he may say next. Without further ado, here’s The Fizz’s wish list for the class of 2012.
- Boom Perkins: A pony. 
As a kid, there’s always a ridiculous gift you knew your parents would never get for you. But there’s always a smidgen of misplaced hope. Boom had the SU community drooling this past May when he put the Orange atop his list. And there was more optimism when he de-committed from Notre Dame. And a little more hope when his coach said he’d take his official visit to SU. And then the crushing final blow when¬†he officially crossed Syracuse off his list.¬†Maybe the Orange never had a realistic chance at Boom (he’s being recruited by LSU and Oregon now), but the ride was fun while it lasted.
- George Morris: A PS3. 
The 3-star running back from Georgia absolutely deserves the hottest gift this Christmas. Especially if he‚Äôs already deeming himself the¬†next great back to come through Syracuse’s doors.¬†It‚Äôs an exciting (and necessary) addition for SU with the departure of Antwon Bailey, and he‚Äôll hopefully make a difference immediately.
- Ken Goins:  The ugly Christmas sweater. 
Let’s give Goins that lame, hand-knit sweater your grandma always used to make you. We thought he was going to wear it for all the cold winters up here. Turns out he‚Äôll need it to survive playing for the ice-cold Randy Edsall. But to be on safe side, just throw some coal in his stocking. After originally saying Syracuse was his top choice back in the fall, Goins later committed to nearby Maryland (a 2-win team) just a few weeks later, ¬†admitting he was always looking for a better offer. It‚Äôs a bitter loss.
- Ron Thompson: Cruise tickets.
Money may be tight this year, but come on… he’s worth it. Throw the next impact TE target for SU a ten day, all expenses paid, Caribbean cruise. Why? He’s the most talented player committed in the class so far. The 4-star product will¬†be welcomed at SU next season with open arms, as the big playmaker brings speed and power to a position that waves goodbye to All-Big Easter Nick Provo. The second ticket we suggest giving to Tyrone Wheatley, who landed Sugar Bear and has been incredibly productive on the recruiting trail.
- DeVante McFarlane/Dontez Ford/Leroy Owens: The early gift.
You always want to open one of your Christmas gifts just a little early. Like middle of summer early. Let‚Äôs hope that gift was worth it.¬†Syracuse nabbed a ton of recruits over the summer, sparking excitement in the SU community. The worry is all those commitments (mainly 2-star talent)¬†hindered reeling in bigger fish this fall.¬†Let’s hope not, and we‚Äôll see if guys like Ford, Owens, or James Washington, will be worth the early commitment in the long run.
There may be some late gifts to open as well, for guys like NYC star Wayne Morgan just a little over a month until Signing Day. So while you thought your shopping was over, you may still need to grab some last minute gift ideas for the recruit that has everything.
Posted: Kevin Fitzgerald
