NYPost.com
With two of the most important decisions in this year‚Äôs recruiting class just weeks away, Syracuse may be getting its own personal fireworks display this July. Two of New York’s best,¬†Tottenville RB Augustus Edwards and Thomas Jefferson OLB/DE Ebenezer Ogundeko, will announce their schools¬†just ten days apart. Edwards will be deciding between SU, Maryland, N.C. State and Virginia, while Ogundeko‚Äôs final three still remains as SU, Notre Dame and Florida.
The Fizz caught up with Augustus before his decision date a week from today, and whether his package deal with Ebo would still be in effect. With SU as the only school the two have in common on their finalized lists, he admitted all signs might be pointing to the Orange.
“Yes, that’s what it’s looking like right now. I think we’re hopefully going to the same school.”
The possibility of snagging two of the top three prospects in the state of New York seven months before National Signing Day would just further solidify SU’s dominance of the NYC region. Both prospects loved their trips up to the Hill this past spring, especially with their good friend Wayne Morgan. Edwards was thoroughly excited about possibly extended that pipeline from NYC to CNY.
“I like that. It allows the New York City kids to be on a big stage. And it just seems like the school we can play for.”
The 6‚Äô1″ 220 lb. tailback rushed for over 1,400 yards this past fall at Tottenville, and racked up 11 TDs.
He is a downhill runner who can also slash through tackles. You wouldn’t expect the agility from someone with Edwards’ size, but he does a phenomenal job of breaking tackles and getting into open space. That’s where he shows off his blazing 40 yard dash speed.
“I’m an all around running back. I can run through people or I can run around guys. And I run a 4.5 [40 yard dash].”
The 3-star product had offers from 10 other universities before narrowing it down to the four ACC schools, and said he really looks forward to competing in that conference down the road.
One of the biggest factors that landed SU on that list was Coach Anselmo. “Gus” explained that Anselmo is someone he deeply trusts, and would like to play for. Anselmo has had an impact on the NYC recruiting trail and is one of the biggest reasons why Syracuse has such a huge footprint there.¬†Syracuse would make an enormous splash if Ogundeko turned down BCS powerhouses ND and Florida. Luckily,¬†these recruits want to play with their former teammates and close friends from the area who have all headed north to Syracuse.
It’s certainly the case for Edwards, who is looking forward to possibly playing with former Tottenville teammate and class of 2012 recruit, Alvin Cornelius. Not only that, but the RB is excited about coming back to the NYC to play games at Met Life Stadium (like USC this year) if he chose Syracuse.
“That’s a great opportunity for my family to come see me. It’s a great atmosphere, and I always wanted to play there.”
Edwards decided to make his decision in July so he cold have a focused senior year, and also for his mother, who wanted to see him decide early. It’s a good thing, because he certainly has big goals for this upcoming season.
“I want to play better than I did last year, and try to rush for over 1,500 yards. I want to get to the championship game and win it, and also I want to get faster and bigger.”
SU may be in for a big treat this month in their quest to reel in both Edwards and Ogundeko. Although bringing in the pair would be gigantic, even landing one of the two would boost this year’s class. There may be fireworks going off tomorrow, but Orange Nation could see more July 10th.
Posted: Kevin Fitzgerald
