Saturday night Syracuse received its second commitment for the class of 2016. New Jersey wide receiver Sadiq Palmer chose SU just a day after being offered. He is not ranked on any major recruiting sites, but his tape does show some definite positives.
Without even watching any film on Palmer, his 40-yard dash time jumps out. 4.50 is fast for a high school junior. That is the same 40-time SU receiver Steve Ishmael posted in high school and quicker than SU running back/receiver Erv Phillips’ high school time.
Looking at Palmer in action, his yards after the catch are what really jump out. This definitely has something to do with his speed, but his size is also a factor. His mix of pace and physical play could go a long way to helping an Orange offense that ranked 105th in the nation last season in yards per completion at just over ten.
Fans also have to love his versatility and ability to catch the deep ball. Palmer runs the ball as a running back, takes it on reverse plays as a wide receiver and also returns kicks. He looks like a bigger version of Phillips.
He can also elevate very well over smaller corners and safeties to haul in long balls. In the tape, there are many instances where his quarterback under throws a pass and he just goes up and gets it.
A negative from Palmer’s tape is that opposing defenses give him way too much cover on the line of scrimmage and just aren’t very good. Clearly he can’t be faulted for this, but the level of competition definitely inflates his production. Other teams don’t want to get beaten deep, but by giving Palmer such a large cushion he easily burns defensive backs on screens and five-yard completions. When the ball is thrown long he is just more athletic than the opposition. These plays won’t be made as easily in the ACC.
Palmer is a key contributor for New Jersey’s Red Bank Regional high school; it would be nice if that translates into him being a difference maker for SU.
Remember to follow the Fizz on Twitter @Orangefizz for news on Syracuse football and basketball recruiting.
Posted: Connor Morrissette
