Update: 10:37a. Citing improving facilities, a connection with the coaching staff and seeing how hard his friends were working on the Hill, Augustus Edwards chose Syracuse this morning. This is a huge get for SU. Not only does it continues the all-important pipeline to NYC, but also adds a terrific all-around RB to the Orange backfield. He represents Part 1 of the potential”Package Deal” with Ogundeko.
Even if Ebo chooses ND, UF or Ole Miss (some have reported the Rebels are in the mix as well), SU added a huge commit to an already stellar class. This is clearly one of the most exciting summers in program history with the number of highly-sought after recruits SU has added. It should also be underscored how SU beat a handful of ACC programs to Gus. The move to a new, bigger conference is clearly paying dividends. A Staten Island kid did not have Rutgers or UConn on his final list, but instead four ACC schools. Well done, Doug Marrone. This is getting good, baby.
Gus’ family speaking at the end of the presser (including his little brother) was terrific. His dad hammered continuing his hard work in the classroom, and his brother and sister seemed genuinely thrilled for Gus. Appeared to be a great family, and there were all very excited to take part in his big moment. Good day to be an Orange. -D.A.
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Update: 1:24a. According to the New York Post, Augustus Edwards will commit to Syracuse Tuesday morning. The 3-star RB will make it official at his Staten Island High School. Gus will become the 8th member of the Class of 2013 for Syracuse, and also the 2nd NYC product to commit along with JuCo DT Wayne Williams. Edwards has not officially visited any of the other three schools on his final list. We’ll see if the package deal of Edwards and Jefferson OLB/DE Ebenezer Ogundeko holds up when “Ebo” makes his decision in ten days.
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Syracuse’s July recruiting block party might be kicking off this morning at 10am. That’s when 3-star RB Augustus Edwards will be making his decision of where to play in 2013. All those in attendance for his press conference at Tottenville High School on Staten Island will watch as Gus decides between SU, N.C. State, Virginia or Maryland. But one spectator in particular will be watching as closely as anyone. DE/OLB Ebenezer Ogundeko will also be at Edwards’ announcement this morning.
It’s been the story surrounding the pair’s recruitment over the last few months. Are they indeed a package deal? Take Ogundeko’s presence for what it’s worth, but Gus did tell The Fizz last week that since SU is the only school offering both, the likelihood was looking pretty good. The two are obviously close, and perhaps Ogundeko not showing up to the press conference would have been more surprising. Either way, he wouldn’t want to miss his good friends’ decision.
Another friend of Edwards with a rooting interest in where he decides is Syracuse freshman WR Alvin Cornelius, his former Tottenville teammate. The Fizz caught up with Alvin on the eve of Edwards decision and discussed the possibility of the two playing together in the coming years.
“Yes, I’ll be excited for him and me because he works so hard. Whatever he does I’m going to support him.”
While the Wolfpack, Terps and Cavs are ACC schools, none can match Notre Dame and Florida like on Ebo’s list. What could end up being the difference-maker for Augustus is the Syracuse-NYC connection, and being close to home. Cornelius underscored that.
“Those are huge factors. His family is from New York so he doesn’t want to be too far away. But it’s going to come down to his decision and where he wants to go.”
It seems more likely Edwards commits to SU compared to Ogundeko. And there’s no guarantee even if Gus chooses Orange Tuesday that Ebo is following. But even so,¬†adding Gus is a huge boost to this 2013 recruiting class. It continues the dominance in the NYC region by Doug Marrone and John Anselmo by adding a top 3¬†recruit in the state, and beating out future rivals to get him. Edwards is a quick and agile downhill runner, and would add size to an already growing backfield at SU. He‚Äôs a very shifty runner, and has a tremendous ability to break tackles.
So with all eyes on him, including his Brooklyn pal, we’ll see if Edwards puts Part 1 of the potential package deal that was first hatched way back in May.
Posted: Kevin Fitzgerald
