We already know Jamal Holloway will revisit Syracuse, and that could be a key in his recruitment. And on Wednesday, Holloway announced his top 10 list on twitter.
As with any kid making a college decision, there are three groups to split prospective schools into. Let’s do that with Holloway.
Top Tier:
Michigan State- Based on the schools listed, Michigan State is clearly the best program, with the most going its way right now. The Spartans are a big player in the Big 10 year in and year out.
Middle Tier:
Arizona State- They compete every once in a while in one of the top conferences in the country (likely making the case for 3rd best). Arizona State can be good, but also likely not so good that he will be denied playing time for 2+ years.
Pittsburgh- Middle of the pack in the ACC, much like Syracuse. New coach, former Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, might help because of the connection to Michigan State while going to a program that may allow for playing time earlier.
Syracuse- The Orange is middle of the pack in most of what they do. Scott Shafer’s gang followed up an 7-6 year with last year’s 3-9 season. SU does have a few things going their way including Robert Washington and Holloway’s high school teammate Dymelle Parker already committed to the class of 2016.
Rutgers- Normally I would put Rutgers in the lower tier, partially because it will be hard for them to truly compete in the Big 10. But in this situation, I think Rutgers has a pretty good chance because Holloway is from New Jersey, and will be revisiting the campus.
UNC- Simply mediocre in the ACC. Getting better under head coach Larry Fedora. In the same group as Pittsburgh/Cuse/BC when it comes to on-field production.
Lower Tier:
Purdue- Boilermakers are consistently in the basement of the Big 10.
Virginia- Cellar dwellers in the ACC, also very possibly the final season for head coach Mike London.
Temple- tough to compete for recruits against Power-5 conferences when you play in the AAC. However, maybe a few bonus points for being Holloway’s “home town school” Philly is just over the NJ-PA border from Camden.
Old Dominion- Again, it’s just so tough to compete with Power-5 teams when you don’t play in a Power-5 conference.
