Syracuse started its Early National Signing Day, well…early when it landed two commits from Germany. Offensive lineman Mark Petry flipped from Eastern Michigan, and tight end Maximillian Mang committed too. Petry is a JUCO O-lineman, and immediately fills Syracuse’s biggest position of need. We wrote earlier this week that SU – with only one O-line commit – desperately needed to add more bodies up front. While Petry won’t wow fans with his offer sheet (Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, and UMass), this is an important pickup for SU. Mang is a 6-foot-7 behemoth at tight end. He’s only 230 pounds, but he has the frame to easily put on tens of pounds. He could eventually become a bone-crunching blocker or a massive weapon in the passing attack.
Outside of the early morning surprises, there weren’t many shockers as the day went on. Every player that was supposed to sign today did, which accounted for 18 out of 19 commits. The only commit not to sign was Chase Atkinson, who informed Orange Fizz that he would sign in February since he isn’t taking his official visit until January. 
Syracuse also landed a massive commitment and signing from Chris Bleich, who started eight games as a redshirt freshman at Florida. He could step in and immediately replace Evan Adams. Bleich played JUCO at Wyoming Valley West this past season. 
He joins Garth Barclay, and Josh Ilaoa as offensive line signees. Ilaoa could also vie for playing time as an interior lineman. Meanwhile Barclay, 6-foot-7, 250 pounds is training in off-the-field ways to prepare for ACC football.
After a scare for Orange fans, top-signee Latarie Kinsler stuck with Syracuse, but not until duping Louisville by donning a Cardinals hat.
Kinsler is one of three defensive linemen to sign with SU. Defensive ends Kevin Lemieux and Leon Lowery will also join Kinsler.
There were a couple of guys that SU was in the hunt for that ultimately chose other schools. Wide receiver Kentron Poitier ultimately chose Florida State and Canadien defensive lineman Ahkeem Mesidor signed with West Virginia.
Dino Babers mentioned in his press conference that SU is still recruiting quarterbacks to sign in February. Babers thinks part of Syracuse’s struggle in landing a quarterback could be due to leakage of information.
Overall Syracuse’s day boosts the Orange three spots to the ninth best class in the ACC. If recruiting ended today, that would be SU’s best finish in the ACC since joining the conference. Of course, the 2020 recruiting cycle is not over, although most recruits signed today. Syracuse needs to finish strong in February to maintain a class that has picked up steam in the past few weeks.
