Photos via Varsity Preps
The amount of offers Syracuse has dished out to Floridian high school football players since George McDonald’s arrival is through the roof. SU’s offensive coordinator has continued to enhance and strengthen the culture of recruiting Florida in the post-Doug Marrone era. There’s one high school in particular Coach McDonald has to lock in on for the 2014 class.
As Scott Shafer has handled not only the current 3-4 bunch after a beating by Georgia Tech, the new head man has kept his recruitment attention on Midwest recruits, his sweet spot. No question has Shafer put his trust in “The Mailman” to pick from the cream of the crop in the Sunshine State.
Down in Weston, Fla., Syracuse has three scholarships lined up for a trio of players from Cypress Bay High School. Since 2007, head coach Mark Guandolo has the led the team to all plus-.500 seasons every year except for one season. One name the Orange is already familiar with is CB Deion Hallmon, who de-committed from Rutgers at the end of September.
Hallmon confirmed with The Fizz Wednesday night that the Orange remains in his top five. The programs other than the Scarlet Knights pushing for Hallmon include Florida State, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The speedy corner has lined up a visit with Northern Illinois in mid-December, but Syracuse sits in a good position. Secondary help can never be passed up. Lately we’ve seen that one of SU’s top weaknesses is in the defensive backfield. Take this year as an example, as Julian Whigham has become a huge replacement for CB Brandon Reddish. Give SU credit, though, as it ranks third behind Clemson and Virginia Tech in total defense in the ACC.
Hallmon’s interest has clearly stayed high, but there’s a duo along his side that could consider the Orange just as much.
Kadeem Goulbourne               WR, 6’4” 194 lbs.
Goulbourne has fielded a multitude of offers including SU. Just like Hallmon, Goulbourne told Varsity Prep before the 2013 campaign that he really liked Rutgers. He is a big fan of their offensive schemes and the idea they’re heading to the Big 10 next season. Goulbourne is seriously considering Michigan State and Tennessee as well as Wisconsin, a university he plans to visit officially in early November. His goal for his senior stint is to be disciplined and stay focused in a very important year individually. He definitely adds length and could tag along with an already impressive receiving core for 2014.
Marquese Dudley-Gordon         S, 5’10” 175 lbs.
Dudley-Gordon is a bruising blocker and defensive hawk for the Lightning. He’s got offers from Louisville, Arkansas, Ohio State,  and likewise programs Michigan State and Rutgers. However, he told Varsity Prep before the season’s beginning that Pittsburgh and Arkansas lead his services. Notably a new ACC team like the Panthers at least keeps the Orange in the picture. MDS visited Pitt back on September 2 and attended the Florida State game. His older brother actually attends Pitt so there’s no surprise he’s very interested. He’s another defensive back who makes plenty of plays in the backfield. With his ties in Pittsburgh, it’s not out of the question Syracuse can get Dudley-Gordon’s attention.
Both athletes Рand Hallmon Рwould be huge adds to the program in 2014. There’s a reason McDonald earned a Top 25 Recruiter honor in 2012 from Rivals. “The Mailman” could deliver in a unique way this time around. Cypress Bay ranks in the 80s amongst top Florida high school programs. Recently Syracuse hasn’t recruited big-time players out of there. This trio of 3-star athletes all add special skill sets. Hallmon seems very sold on SU’s pitch, but it would be a disservice if McDonald didn’t do his best to reel in all three players.
Posted: Brendan Glasheen
