About six weeks ago, West Haven’s Ervin Philips received his first college football scholarship, courtesy of Syracuse. The versatile RB spoke with The Fizz and gave his instant reaction to the offer:
“I was thrilled, but more shocked I have to say. I got home from practice last Friday and got a call from Coach Bullough and he offered me. It’s a blessing to get an offer from a great program like Syracuse.”
Since getting the good news, Philips has taken just one other significant phone call. Twelve days after the Orange, Temple also offered to the speedy Philips. Philips visited the Owl campus yesterday, but tells The Fizz his SU visit on June 23rd remains high on his mind:
         “It was great man. I loved it and I felt comfortable.”
Philips tweeted about his visit later that day:
“I did not commit to syracuse today but I will be making a decision very very soon.”
Philips preached his strong relationship with George McDonald to The Fizz and how the OC appreciated his big-play ability. Philips rushed for over 750 yards on the ground last season for the Blue Devils, and had more than 1,000 all-purpose yards in his junior year.
The 5’11” 176 pound back has just two offers, although has interest from Maryland, Steve Addazio’s Boston College Eagles, Pittsburgh, and Rutgers. The three reasons why Philips’ recruitment is among the most important for Syracuse’s 2014 class:
- Versatility
Philips has diversity on the offensive side of the ball. That flexibility is always attractive to an offensive coordinator, especially McDonald. Philips told The Fizz back in May of his ties with The Mailman:
“He was great. He really thinks my agility and speed stand out. He told me he watched my highlight tape, and that’s exactly what he told me stood out. He really liked my quickness on the field.”
SU has already loaded its line-backing corps, as¬†Jason Cabinda is the latest addition to the list, so another offensive get to go along with West Genesee‚Äôs Naesan Howard and 4-star AJ Long would be huge. McDonald‚Äôs trust in Phillips’ raw talent makes him an intriguing piece.
- Coaches
Bullough gave Philips the news about his offer. There‚Äôs already a connection between McDonald and Philips. As for Ervin‚Äôs links with the Owl squad, former BC assistant and current Temple linebackers coach Mike Siravo has kept in touch with Philips. The relationship between Phillips and¬†Owls OC Marcus Satterfield is unclear, but he’s comfortable with Bullough and McDonald.
- Recruiting Connecticut
The NY Post report suggesting¬†Syracuse is losing out on NYC recruits to UConn¬†has bothered Orange Nation. Connecticut may extend an offer to Philips. If Syracuse can win big battles in other places then the importance of NYC can dwindle a bit. There’s some decent players that come out of Connecticut, so taking a few players from that area could put to rest some of the negativity surrounding the Post report.
More from Phillips on Twitter:
¬†‚ÄúOrange Is My Favorite Color… *waits for syracuse fans to go crazy* lol.‚Äù
Looks to be a good sign for Syracuse.
Posted: Brendan Glasheen
