UPDATE (3:22 pm):¬†Robert Washington has changed his mind since recording the interview with Bleacher Report. ¬†He announced at a press conference today that he is coming to Syracuse. This is a complete game changer for the program. Scott Shafer’s and Coach Lea deserve major kudos for this. While the product on the field was hard to watch last year, this automatically makes SU interesting again. Washington could develop into the next great back from SU, and means the program is now finally successful in landing the coveted big fish. For years SU has lost on recruits of Washington’s caliber. To finally land one and beat Alabama and Florida is a game changing moment for the program. Reports suggest that the interview was recorded on Thursday and he changed his mind and decided to come to Syracuse yesterday. ¬†Assuming he stays solid to SU and signs in Februraty this would be as huge a get for the Orange as it’s had in years. He is one of the best RB in the nation. ¬†To grab a recruit who had offers from schools like Ohio State and Notre Dame is a huge deal for the Orange and would have long ranging effects. –Logan Grossman¬†
UPDATE (2:53 pm):¬†Robert Washington has told Bleacher Report he is committing to Florida. It is a big get for UF, but let’s not disregard the job done by SU. To even be in the conversation for someone of Washington’s caliber is impressive. In the end, whatever Syracuse did just wasn’t enough. Maybe they didn’t agree to give Washington number 44, or maybe he just liked the weather in Gainesville more than the weather up here. Whatever the reason, it as big for SU to even be in the discussion with these other 5 programs. Now, the next step is picking up the recruit.¬†– Seth Goldberg
Original Post: It all goes down today. 4-star commit Robert Washington plans to verbally commit to a school this afternoon. The running back narrowed his list of colleges down to six earlier this year. The list includes Syracuse, Alabama, Michigan, TCU, North Carolina and Florida. Today he makes his choice; which of course is nonbinding until National Signing Day in October.
There have been many story lines surrounding Washington in the last few weeks. The Post Standard talked with Washington’s father this week who said Syracuse fans have nothing to worry about regarding his son’s commitment. After the interview Washington spoke to the Post Standard himself and said that only his mother and girlfriend know where he plans to commit. He said his father does not know what’s going on with his commitment.
It also came out this week that Washington plans to transfer from a private high school to public high school. He currently attends SouthLake Christian Academy in North Carolina and will go to East Gannon before the year ends.
In addition to those stories, Syracuse fans and the media have debated un-retiring the sacred number 44 and giving it to Washington. Here at the Fizz, we say give it to him, but other outlets say otherwise. If it helps Syracuse land the best recruit in over two decades why not do it?
Whatever happens today, the Orange has a shot at landing its best recruit in over 15 years. Linebackers coach Clark Lea started talking with Washington two years ago on a recruiting visit and made that the hot prospect interested in SU. Lea deserves props for competing with the big boys. Today we’ll see just how well the Orange has competed. A commitment from Washington could start a revolution for Syracuse football. It’s a big day.
Remember to follow the Fizz on Twitter @Orangefizz for news on Syracuse football and basketball recruiting.
Posted: Connor Morrissette
