One of SU’s main themes of the 2015 recruiting class based on the current landscape is stacked talent along the defensive linemen. SU plans to add even more.
Current Wisconsin commit, 6’5” 220 lb., weakside defensive end Nate Howard is not 100 percent with the Badgers, according to Scout.com’s Derek Young via Twitter. The St. Louis, MO three-star prospect is still considering Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Syracuse.
With an official visit scheduled for January 16th On the Hill, Howard, the number one defensive end in the state of Missouri, has kept the Orange on his mind. Back in early October, he told Illinois Scout recruiting reporter Ryan Easterling where his head was at.
‚ÄúI still have a strong connection with Wisconsin and am going through the process,‚Äù Howard said (of his soft verbal), ‚Äúbut I’m seeing some other schools.¬†Nothing’s final until I sign in February, so I’m still kind of looking around. I may take officials to Syracuse, possibly Illinois, possibly Missouri. All their coaches show a lot of interest and really want me, too.‚Äù
 
Howard could be the fourth DE to seriously consider the Orange since mid-November when Miami Central product Keivonnis Davis pledged SU. Remember Syracuse just grabbed Iona Prep’s Qaadir Sheppard, who plays some linebacker and defensive end. So Howard possibly makes it six defensive ends if he joins Davis, Sheppard,TE/DE Amir Ealey, Brandon Ginnetti and Dana Levine.
The questions surrounding Howard include Wisconsin’s shakiness of retaining head coaches. First the program lost former HC Gary Anderson. He led the Badgers to a 9-4 season in 2013 before leaving for Oregon State.  Two years ago the Badgers were shocked when Bret Bielema abruptly fled Wisconsin for Arkansas.
Recruits such as Howard want some stability from the head coach down. Not sure if Howard is totally buying into former Pittsburgh head man and newest Badgers coach Paul Chryst. That’s simple to understand because Chryst left Wisconsin as offensive coordinator for the Pitt job and after two seasons with the Panthers, he moved back to the Badgers program.
Great to hear Howard has positive things to say about Syracuse. Gaining Howard’s trust probably comes along with D-Line coach Tim Daoust staying at SU. Daoust is a favorable candidate for the Pitt defensive coordinator position. Committed DEs like Sheppard are on record saying Daoust is an awesome coach. His young presence means a lot this month and going forward in order to land top defensive prospects.
Hopefully Howard considers bouncing from the Midwest and takes up football on the East Coast to play with an awfully diverse bunch at Syracuse on the defensive line.
Posted:  Brendan Glasheen
