Indy Star
Update: Thursday, 11:25a. In a mysterious twist, apparently Davis never committed to Syracuse. Read¬†The Fizz’s¬†theories on what may have happened.
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Syracuse’s list of 2013 commitments just added more speed. SU nabbed it‚Äôs sixth verbal of the class on Tuesday as Milford Academy (Milford, CT) RB Charles Davis committed to Tyrone Wheatley. Scout and Rivals both give Davis two-stars, but his tape shows unbelievable quickness and an instinctive ability to find open space. We also know Doug Marrone has been looking to add speed wherever possible to his roster, and Davis is clocked at a blazing 4.42 40.
Syracuse beat out Missouri, Clemson, Mississippi State, and Kentucky to land the Avon, Indiana product. The Orange was certainly helped by the pipeline between Milford and the Hill. The private school has been an early stop for many SU players, like Ashton Broyld last season. While it’s easy to look at the star ratings and dismiss him as a mediocre prospect, the interest he garnered from big programs says plenty about his talent.
Davis is a small back, which may explain why he wasn’t highly rated. At 5’9” 182 lbs., the concern might be that he’s too undersized to shake things up at the college level. But he’s a Danny Woodhead-type ball carrier with fantastic lateral speed.
Once the hit is delivered, it doesn’t take much to bring him down, but Davis’ trick is simply outrunning the contact. It worked to the tune of 1,345 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns while at Avon HS in Indiana. Plus, with a growing offensive line supplemented by bulldozers like Omari Palmer, CD may have a little extra room to run when he finally suits up at SU.
Davis also doubles as a receiver on option plays, making him even an even more versatile commitment. Since he’s so quick, he’s adept at getting open for a quick pass and has lined up in the end-around formation to catch short passes against the sideline.
Tyrone Wheatley has been a beast on the recruiting trail of late, but he was just one of two big names that helped sell Davis on SU. Davis says he has been talking to another undersized Orange runningback who made it all the way to the NFL – former Colt James Mungro.
“I know their program has a rich tradition of running backs. I know I can come in and contribute and build my own legacy. They’ve had Floyd Little and Ernie Davis and Jim Brown and James Mungro. [Mungro] played for the Colts and lives in my neighborhood. He’s helped me with this recruiting stuff.”
It really does all come down to networking. Syracuse grabs a talented ball carrier who had offers from better known programs thanks to some recruiting magic from Tyrone Wheatley, the Milford connection, and a little help from an alumni with NFL experience.
Posted: Jake Moskowitz
