Birmingham Observer
Syracuse football recruiting finds itself in a tough spot early. Even though we are 11 months from Signing Day the work is already being put in by coaches across the country for the next class, and there are currently no commits for SU in the 2015 class.
The Orange lost out on 4-star 2015 TE Chris Clark over the weekend. The 6’6″, 245-lb. Avon, Conn. product committed to North Carolina, despite being offered by bigger programs like Alabama, Auburn and Ohio State. Clark visited Syracuse in the fall. SU was the first school to offer him. His commitment is non-binding, so he is somebody the Orange should keep on its radar. But so many national powers have offered Clark it would be an enormous upset for him to come to the Hill. Syracuse is going to have to move on quickly and find its first 2015 pledge.
SU football starts spring practice today and has its April 19th Spring Game approaching. The quarterback position battle will be something to look out for in the spring. With Terrel Hunt, Austin Wilson and A.J. Long all in the hunt, it may be a tough decision for Scott Shafer to make. Hunt is the incumbent veteran, but he did not necessarily lock down the position for Week 1. He will be the frontrunner based on experience. Long will participate in spring ball because he enrolled in January. Mitch Kimble is also competing but will be limited in spring practice due to a lower body injury.
There is word of some positive news. According to CBS, LSU and Syracuse are working on a home-and-home series that would likely bring the Orange to Death Valley in 2015, while the Tigers would come to the Carrier Dome in 2017. Although nothing has been finalized yet, this is very encouraging to a program that has been trying to get back on the national radar. Doc Gross’ philosophy has been to schedule big games in return for exposure. LSU is a national powerhouse that is surrounded by talent in the Pelican State. This would be great for a team that has been trying to branch out to new pipelines outside the Northeast.
Another silver lining is the fact that rumors are the home game for the Orange will be played inside the Carrier Dome. Fans have been upset the big games on Syracuse’s schedule have been in East Rutherford for the past few seasons. A primetime game in the Dome against a national championship contender would help the Orange gain some recognition.
Although Syracuse basketball is the main focus on the Hill this month, Syracuse football is coming faster than some think.
Posted: Zephan Mayell
