The recruits from SU‚Äôs 2013 class are already forming their own ‘Cuse Crew. The Fizz caught up with¬†Orange commit and East Pennsboro QB Austin Wilson.¬†The 6‚Äô3‚Äù 210 lb 3-star product explained that he, Zach Allen and Augustus Edwards are all planning on visiting Syracuse the same weekend after the season.
“We’re going to all take our officials at the same time, and try and do them all on the same weekend after the season so we can spend more time with the players and the coaches.”
You have to love the Syracuse clique they are forming. Wilson also mentioned that 3-star Xavarian RB Laray Smith, and quite possibly¬†Jefferson 4-star DE Ebenezer Ogundeko¬†might join the trio as well.¬†Smith confirmed to The Fizz that it‚Äôs certainly the plan once the season is over. The SU commits are all making a concerted effort to keep up with one another and with Syracuse¬†targets¬†as well. Someone like Smith could see the bond that Wilson, Allen and Augustus have, and will hopefully want to be part of it.¬†Move over Greg Adkins and Tyrone Wheatley, the Class of ’13 recruits are coming for your jobs.
The Fizz also talked with Asutin about his senior season so far. The QB got off to a killer start through his first four games (850+ yards, 13 TD’s). He had a rough outing last weekend, completing just 3 passes for 11 yards and an interception in a 21-14 win over Steelton-Highspire HS. He did rush for nearly 100 yards on the ground in the game. He is versatile, and showed his terrific “escapability” and scrambling. The Panthers are 4-1 on the year, and tied atop their league standings. Even despite his hot start, Wilson is staying hungry and humble (sorry Dion), and is looking to get even better.
“[I want to] keep improving on my leadership skills as a QB, and keep developing myself as a QB, by reading defenses, and being more poised in the pocket. Just keep consistency with my receivers, and keep having fun out there and enjoy the rest of my last high school season.”
Wilson admitted he knew his team was capable of the fast start. His squad plays rival Trinity HS Friday, possibly the biggest game of the season. The Panthers not only run a spread offense but also mix a little pro style as well. Wilson says he gets as much time under center as he does in the shotgun. That will surely helps once he gets to campus. Wilson is pumped for SU’s new, quicker offense.
“I’m very excited to come in and compete and play in that type of offense. It’s looks like a lot of fun, a lot of throwing the ball around. I think eventually in the fourth quarter of games it’s going to end up winning us games because it’s going to wear down the defense.”
And he may be able to do it sooner than you’d think. Back in June, Wilson told The Fizz he might be able to graduate early and enroll at Syracuse in January, just like Zach Allen. That’s becoming closer to a reality. Pending a waiver from the school board, Wilson says there is about a “60% chance” he’ll be able to graduate early. Because East Pennsboro runs on a trimester schedule (3 designated “terms” instead of the usual 4) Wilson could graduate around November 20th, the end of his school’s first trimester. He would then have to complete two online courses before enrolling at SU by January 15th. It seems like he’s busted his butt and put the workload and just has to wait on the school board’s decision.
Wilson also talks with Temple HS QB Zach Allen frequently. The two have a great relationship and text one another every week, going over game plans, and breaking down each other’s games. All the silly rivalry talk between the two is a myth.
“[Back in the spring] We were kind of joking around about the rivalry and all that kind of stuff, so that’s how are friendship started out.”
You couldn’t ask for the two future gems of your program to be on better terms right now. Allen isn’t the only QB Austin is on good terms with. The senior has developed a great relationship with Ryan Nassib. The two actually have a little family connection. Their brothers are teammates and roommates at Penn State РBryce Wilson plays TE, Carl Nassib is a DE. Austin got a chance to meet the family at Metlife Stadium a few weeks ago.
“We ended up bringing [Carl] down to the [SU-USC] game and we tailgated with Ryan’s family beforehand. It was real fun.”
Bryce and Carl redshirted as freshman last year, and both enjoyed standout senior years at East Pennsboro and Malvern Prep, respectively. The two high schools are about an hour and a half away from one another. Austin tells The Fizz he’s very close with Ryan, and talked a lot with the fifth year QB when committing back in the summer.
SU’s 1-3 start may have demoralized some fans, but there is plenty to be excited about right now for the upcoming class. The recruits are bonding, getting to know one another, and already have a genuine concern for this program without even having stepped a foot on campus yet. Orange Nation will have to look out for Wilson and company when they take their officials. Orange: Next Gen is looking forward to storming the campus later this year.
