247 Sports
Looks like the Great Ebo Sweepstakes may be over for Syracuse. Multiple reports say the Brooklyn Beast is down to Florida and Clemson as the high school season comes to a close. Scout reports John Anselmo visited with Syracuse’s top target left this week, presumably to make sure Ebo didn’t make any decision until he visited SU once more.
The DE was scheduled to come up to the Hill the weekend of December 8th. If he has narrowed his decision down to the Gators and Tigers, then one has to wonder if he will still take his official to SU.
It would be a shame if New York State’s best player cuts the Orange out of the mix before that visit, simply because the ‘Cuse Clique will all be there. Quarterback Zach Allen has developed into a leader without ever having taken a snap for the Orange. He’s reached out to multiple recruits and commits, and developed a fraternity and bond with guys who are still in high school. December 8th was supposed to be a chance for the entire crew to connect on campus and start envisioning what the future could look like at SU. And what better time to do it? Syracuse finished the season on a roll, and will be soaking in the love from a solid bowl invite over the next few weeks.
If indeed Syracuse is out of the Ebo race, it’s understandable but still disappointing. Recruiting, especially in the tri-state area, continues to grow for the Orange. Augustus Edwards was a huge get for the Orange, and many thought he would be the first half of the biggest package deal in SU football history. Brooklyn has already delivered Gus, big ol’ Wayne Williams and possibly speedster Laray Smith, so it seemed like the Orange had an inside track on him.
But ultimately, it’s still difficult to beat the nation’s powers such as Florida, Clemson and Notre Dame – even with SU’s obvious growth as a program and grass roots connections with NYC high school coaches. There’s no shame in being beaten by schools that are perennial contenders. Hell, Alabama looks like they also whiffed on Ebo. Syracuse is in good company.
If Ebo heads elsewhere, we wish him nothing but the best. Always want to see Big Apple and Empire State kids succeed. But it’ll hurt if he chose another school before uniting with the ‘Cuse Clique on the Hill in ten days.
Posted: D.A.
