Could Corey Holmes be the recruiting gem Syracuse football has been looking for? No matter who you ask, the standout wide receiver is one of the best talents in the country. He comes in at #75 on the ESPN 150 list of overall players in the nation. He sits at #228 on the Rivals 250 best prospects, and is the 31st wideout on that list.
He plays for one of the elite football factories anywhere, St. Thomas Aquinas in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He’s getting top-of-the-line coaching, he’s in one of the most competitive regions of the country, and he has scholarship offers from almost every national power. Clemson, Florida, FSU, Arkansas, Auburn, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Stanford, Wisconsin are all in on Holmes.
So how could SU possibly crack into the list of finalists Holmes seriously considers? It’s a two-part plan. First, George McDonald. Second, his dad. GMcD has been indefatigable on the recruiting trail since he took over as offensive coordinator after most of the SU staff left for Buffalo. He has connections all over Florida, was the wide receivers coach for Miami, and is constantly shaking the bushes in the Sunshine State for talent. Just this week The Fizz discussed his potential attempt to lure three Blanche Ely teammates (Pompano Beach) to the Hill.
McDonald helped piece together a respectable class after most felt it would be chipped apart with Doug Marrone’s departure. He also has proven to have charisma, charm, and a unique ability to connect with student-athletes. So you never count out GMcD no matter who he goes up against.
But the secret weapon may well be Corey’s dad, David Holmes, a defensive back for Syracuse in the late ’80s. He told Syracuse.com:
“He knows how I feel about Syracuse. He knows I’m a die-hard Orangeman. But he also knows that the choice has to be his. He’s the one that has to go to school, put on a uniform and represent himself, the family and the university.”
And so like jump-start cables connecting to the car engine, the two elements could mean a huge coup for SU. McDonald started recruiting Corey back with the Hurricanes, and has remained in close contact. Because of his dad’s roots, Corey attended Syracuse’s football camp back before McDonald was even on the Hill. Because of both, Corey was supposed to drop by the Orange Spring Game, but his connection flight was canceled. Either way, Corey plans to visit CNY this summer with his dad.
SU fans should keep an eye on Corey over the next few weeks. He’ll sit down and boil down his list to a more manageable number of schools still in the hunt. If McDonald and his dad have any say it in, Syracuse will be part of that list. Syracuse has sought to win a huge, national recruiting battle for years as it climbs its way back on the map. Sometimes you need a little Lady Luck to beat the big dogs. Maybe this one has it.
Posted: D.A.
