It’s been a good week for Orange fans. Florida quarterback Rex Culpepper committed to SU on Tuesday and Georgia linebacker/defensive back Will Harper chose Syracuse Friday night bringing the Orange up to five commits for 2016.
Last week head coach Scott Shafer told Scout.com that his staff plans to be more selective when recruiting this cycle because there are limited roster spots and the 2015 class filled up so quickly early on last summer.
Bringing in Culpepper right now makes sense. He plays a position that the coaching staff has targeted and he’s talented. In addition to Syracuse he had offers from Clemson, Florida and Ohio State. In this case it makes sense to move quickly because there most likely won’t be a better option than Culpepper this cycle.
Nothing against Harper, but having him verbal right now goes against what Shafer wants. Harper only has one Power 5 offer and it’s from Syracuse. Clearly the coaching staff thinks he has potential, but it’s hard to believe that there wasn’t some other more talented recruit SU could have tried to bring in before allowing Harper to commit.
Harper is the first 2016 recruit who plays on defense. That may have something to do with his recent commitment and a lack of patience from the staff; they wanted to get one on the board.
Overall, the past few days have been hugely successful for Syracuse football. It’s just interesting that the head coach lays out a recruiting plan and then it isn’t followed.
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Posted: Connor Morrissette
