This is a huge win for Syracuse if it went toe-to-toe with Jim Harbaugh and came out with Ifeatu Melifonwu. The DB was courted late by Michigan, and flew to Ann Arbor this week for a campus visit. However, his high school coach Chris McMahon told syracuse.com:¬†“Syracuse is in great shape and we feel really good about tha. We think the future at Syracuse with (head) coach (Dino) Babers is huge.”
Melifonwu is one of the best players in the state of Massachusetts, and any time a power program like the Wolverines steps in at the last minute SU fans should¬†get heartburn. It’s hard to match their expectations, attention, and facilities. Plus Harbaugh has become a recruiting guru, his every move, sound bite and fashion choice getting national buzz. But if Melifonwu does stick with the Orange, it would show the program’s ability to hold onto talent in the face of bigger fish trying to poach. And it would prove Babers’ ability to get in early on a player and create a meaningful bond.
Already we’ve seen some high end talent head to bigger programs. This would be an enormous win. Maybe there was a secret weapon the Orange had in John Desko’s office. Melifonwu’s versatility goes beyond the football field. How about a guy who can play lockdown defense in lacrosse as well?
From ESPN Boston:
“Melifonwu excelled as an option quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back… Melifonwu then joined Grafton’s highly-regarded lacrosse team and become a lockdown defender as a long sticker midfielder Melifonwu led the Indians to a Division 4 Central title in football, and helped Grafton reach its second consecutive Division 3 state championship game in lacrosse.”
Maybe it was all those lax final fours and championship trophies that helped seal the deal. Take that Harbaugh! Babers just went to myVegas, stood next to the high rollers, and won the hand.
