Earlier this week the Post Standard had a story about Syracuse running back Dontae Strickland’s living situation in high school. Strickland and his family were forced to live in a hotel for about four years after Dontae’s father could not find work. The rusher is now back in a home with his family, but Strickland has another concern.
He is not academically eligible to play football for Syracuse right now. He needs to score 60 points higher on future SAT tests to be able to qualify for Syracuse’s summer training sessions.
Strickland is extremely motivated and should get the score he needs because he is taking classes with Kaplan Test Prep. If he fails to qualify though, Syracuse fans will undoubtedly be disappointed, especially after the KJ Williams fiasco of last year.
Strickland will be given a chance in some capacity if he arrives on the Hill on time. He can return kicks, catch passes, and even play on defense in the secondary if necessary. He is by far the most exciting player in the 2015 class. On National Signing Day tight ends coach Bobby Acosta even compared Strickland to Marshawn Lynch.
The New Jersey running back’s status is also important in terms of depth. Running back Tyrone Perkins pushed back his commitment to January 2016 because of a torn ACL. That leaves 2015 commit Jordan Fredericks and current SU backs Erv Phillips, George Morris and Devante McFarlane as the Orange’s only options in the backfield if Strickland arrives late. There’s chatter that Phillips is transitioning to wide receiver too, which means that even as a true freshman, Strickland is probably the most feared runner on the list. Strickland could definitely help SU’s stagnant offense next season. Orange fans are asking Dontae to please pass those SATs.
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Posted: Connor Morrissette
