Syracuse defensive coordinator Brian Ward visited Independence Community College in Kansas this week. He met with Independence defensive lineman Dante Hibbert. “They came by the other day and talked to me and watch film. It went great [Coach Ward] really liked me, he said I was in his top 3 list of DT,” Hibbert told the Fizz via a Twitter direct message.
Syracuse currently has little depth on the defensive line. Even with the addition of Delaware State graduate transfer Gabe Sherrod, the only scholarship player to return from last year at the D-end spot is red shirt freshman Jake Pickard. Tight end Trey Dunkelberger and January enrollee Kenneth Ruff have also taken reps there this spring.
Syracuse plans to add another defensive lineman to its class of 2016 by May, according to Hibbert. The defensive lineman graduates May 7 and if Syracuse offers, Hibbert would be eligible to play next season.
In addition to Hibbert, Ward also met with Independence cornerback Jaylon Lane. The corner said via a text message that he would consider Syracuse if they offered, but would want to take a visit to the school first.
Ward has recently followed a whole host of other defensive players at the junior college level on Twitter. While Hibbert and Lane’s meetings with Ward are significant, these two are not the only ones getting looks from Syracuse.
Follow The Fizz on twitter @OrangeFizz to stay up to date with SU basketball and football recruiting.
Posted: Connor Morrissette
