Following the path of 2015 signee Jake Pickard, defensive back Cycoby Burch will visit Syracuse after being turned away by the Wisconsin Badgers in May. Pickard decommitted from the Badgers last recruiting cycle, committed to SU, and will make his debut this fall.
Burch, from Orlando, FL, is a three-star ‘athlete’ recruit who has received increased attention over the last few months. He didn’t receive his first offer until February after a great junior season in high school. Currently, he holds offers from the Orange, WVU, UNC, and South Florida.
Burch has been primarily recruited by Jake Moreland who wants him to play either cornerback or safety. Moreland visited him during the spring, and that early connection is a reason that SU is in the mix.
Burch committed to Wisconsin back in May while holding 12 different offers РUNC was the other finalist at the time. For undisclosed reasons, news broke that the Badgers would not accept his commitment. For the Orange, this could mean a couple things. If Burch’s issues are character-related the Orange coaching staff should stay away. After the Wayne Williams debacle, SU shouldn’t be wasting its time with players who may never see the field. The program should have learned its lesson.
The issues could be grades-related, which have recently plagued Syracuse as well. Quarterback prospect Alin Edouard has yet to make it to campus despite being a part of the 2014 recruiting class. He has chosen to take the JUCO path, ultimately trying to make it to Central New York. It is doubtful that the Orange would let him rejoin the team.
Burch‚Äôs visit could be a positive sign for the team if there are no off-field issues. In the past, recruits have chosen the Orange because the coaching staff was one of the first groups to notice and recruit them. Assuming Burch‚Äôs stock doesn‚Äôt skyrocket, Moreland should maintain a relationship with the young defensive back because it could lead to a great get. In the class of 2016, the Orange has already earned a verbal commitment from defensive back Scoop Bradshaw. He is one of 13 current players set to sign with the SU in February. Wisconsin’s loss could be Syracuse’s gain, but the Orange need to do its due diligence to make sure it doesn’t burn them.
Posted: Jason Weingold
