If Orange is the new fast, then Syracuse is certainly living up to that motto. SU took a huge stride in the speed department after landing Class of 2017 wide receiver Joshua Palmer. The St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fort Lauderdale, FL) product was clocked at an eye-opening 4.44 40-yard dash, and that’s only good for second amongst Orange recruits for 2017 with Nykeim Johnson leading the pack at an astounding 4.42. The three star recruit turned down several offers from Big Ten and other ACC schools to become the third wideout to commit to the program for 2017.
Palmer is a big, physical wide receiver who stands at 6’3 and 190 pounds. Couple that with his blazing speed and you have a guy who can be an impact player for all three downs and not just specialize in goal line situations. One notable skill from some of Palmer’s tapes is his ability to move the chains through his physical play near the first down markers. His large frame gives quarterbacks a big area to target, which gives signal callers confidence to look his way in key situations. The Canada native is also a polished route runner who uses his speed to his advantage in the short game.
Despite being the fourth wideout in 2017, Palmer projects to play a big role in the SU offense. In fact, all incoming receivers do. If Dino Babers’ Bowling Green offense is any indication of the Orange’s new approach, it seems to be turning towards a more pass-heavy system. The Falcons finished fifth in the nation in passing yards per game, tallying 366.8 per contest. Conversely, Syracuse finished 117th with 156.8. Wide receiver is a position that has some age on it with 9 of the 14 players being upperclassmen. By the time Palmer arrives to the Hill, there will be opportunities for him and the rest of his classmates to crack the rotation right away.
