Bleacher Report listed the top 10 most talented states for the current college football recruiting cycle, and it told us a few things for Syracuse football. The talent (as we knew) is largely stashed in the south, so the Orange have been wise in focusing efforts down there since joining the ACC. And SU target RB Robert Washington has got the attention of just about everyone.
Washington’s home state of North Carolina came in 6th on the list, and the dynamic play-maker got a specific shout out.¬†
Defensive end Julian Okwara, wide receiver Diondre Overton and running back Robert Washington are three uncommitted prospects to keep an eye on. Washington has North Carolina high on his list, and the Tar Heels are hoping to land him and a few others from the state to improve on a class that has potential to be a national sleeper.
Back in February, Washington’s dad suggested he would give his verbal sometimes this month. So a ton of high-profile schools wait on his decision. His stats speak for themselves of just how tremendous he can be at the next level.
Washington’s offers are from just about every school, including Alabama, Ohio State, Penn State, Florida, Notre Dame, Michigan and Ole Miss.¬†The 5-foot-11, 215-pound back is easily top 20 at his position in the nation and¬†he rushed for 2,233 yards and 27 touchdowns this past year, leading SouthLake Christian to its second straight N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II state championship.
It would be a huge coup for SU to beat out the best schools in the nation for him, but two months ago his dad admitted they were “getting very close with Syracuse.”
Florida, not surprisingly, was named the most talent state for recruiting – a place SU has tried to make inroads before. Georgia, where the Orange have also attempted to create a pipeline, came in 4th. Maryland was 8th, and New Jersey 9th, meaning two of the top ten most fertile states are within a short drive of Central New York. This is good news, as long as SU can take advantage of some of that talent. Four of SU’s ’15 signees were from Jersey, none from Maryland. SU also had commits from Georgia and Florida this past February.
Posted: D.A.
