Nation of Orange
Doug Marrone always had high praise for standout Nick Provo, who developed into one of the best pass-catching tight ends Syracuse has had. Now the head coach gets to bring another Provo through the SU program.
The Orange solidifies its first verbal commitment for the Class of 2013, as Tyler Provo has decided to follow his older brother’s footsteps and play at Syracuse.
Rivals gives Tyler a three-star rating, and has him as the No. 2 fullback/ TE prospect in the nation. The Delray Beach, FL native received offers from Louisville, Boston College, Central Florida and Florida International.
Obviously Ty has some large shoes to fill. Nick posted some astounding stats, and holds the Orange single-season reception and career reception records. It was a double-victory to spotlight Nick in the Orange offense. Not only did it produce big results, but maybe it enticed Tyler to want to be part of it.
It’s quickly becoming a stacked position for the Orange. In February, Joshua Harris and the¬†highly sought-after Ron ‚ÄúSugarBear‚Äù Thompson¬†signed with SU. The current Fizz offensive depth chart had¬†Thompson as the 2nd¬†string TE¬†after the Spring Game.
What triggered Thompson to wear the Orange was his close relationship with Tyrone Wheatley. But much of Ty’s attraction to SU came from offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Some were critical of Hackett after some believed Chad Kelly only looked at SU as a “courtesy.” But in this case Hackett landed a talented pass-catcher for the Orange.
It’s already been an active spring for Syracuse football. The Orange landed¬†transfer Quinta Fuderburke,¬†and SU has offers out to both Class of ’14¬†QBs DeShone Kizer and A.J. Long. Marrone has been looking to add big-play offensive threats, like¬†Ashton Broyld. Alongside side Sugar Bear, the Orange would add another TE piece.
Provo’s father Sam told Syracuse.com that his son is used in numerous ways for American Heritage High School:
“He does a lot of H-back for us, but we’ll also go I-formation, and then we’ll put him at fullback. He has a reputation as a blocking-type tight end, but we use him all over the field.”
When Marrone was offensive coordinator in New Orleans he enjoyed a roster of versatile offensive threats. Provo presents another one that can play as a blocking fullback but also spread out the offense and catch some passes like his brother.
Tyler told Syracuse.com he doesn’t just want to be in the backfield:
“I think I’m more of a tight end. And I like the way the Syracuse offense uses the tight end. I just don’t want to be known as a fullback.”
Often Ryan Nassib’s favorite target was the older Provo, with a record-setting 51 receptions. But Ty should not be surprised if Marrone decides to take advantage of his fullback ability. SU has tried to recruit offensive talent that can make the playbook versatile.
The bottom line is there’s been a positive buzz around the additions for this team. With the versatility Tyler adds, and some familiarity with the system because of his brother, the next Provo could be the next piece of a diverse offensive puzzle for the Orange.
Posted: Brendan Glasheen
