If recruiting were a boxing match, this would be the final round.
National Signing Day is only three weeks away, and college football teams across the nation are frantically making the final push to woo recruits. Syracuse is no different.
With only a few available scholarships left to give, the Orange will welcome three targets to campus this weekend along with four players that have already committed to the team. The commits – Keivonnis Davis, Tyrone Perkins, Dontae Strickland, and Davion Ellison – will hopefully be playing the role of salesman for those that Coach Scott Shafer has yet to reel in.
Targets
 
Jake Pickard – Pickard is already committed to Wisconsin, which of course makes things a bit more complicated. The big thing to know is that Pickard chose the Badgers before head coach Gary Andersen packed up and left for Oregon State. Pickard could always still end up in Madison, but the fact that he’s taking a look around Syracuse is reassuring. A tight end/defensive end that has even done some punting, Pickard would be a solid steal for the Orange.
Nate Howard – In a case very similar to Pickard, Howard is also committed to Wisconsin. He made his decision before the coaching carousel started up and now may be having second thoughts. He hasn’t shown extreme interest in the Orange, but he’s looking at all his options.
Najee Clayton – Of the three targets visiting this weekend, Clayton has shown the most interest in wearing Orange next season. He’s shown ability at both wide receiver and safety, and would be one of the team’s top recruits if he commits. Clayton has no other visits scheduled, so it looks like the Orange will get the last word.
The biggest day of the offseason is fast approaching, and this weekend’s visits could be a big factor in who goes where on February 4. It’s time to send the house, as any spared expense could keep these players from joining the Orange.
Posted:  Nathan Dickinson
