National Signing Day is usually full of some surprises for better or worse for teams. Occasionally a team gets a surprise signee or two. For Syracuse, it got two surprise pledges before it was even 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.
The Orange’s first two signers came from previously uncommitted players out of Germany. First, offensive linemen Mark Petry flipped his commitment from Eastern Michigan. After that, tight end Maximillian Mang became the second surprise guy.
Mang was somewhat expected because Syracuse offered him late and we knew he was making his decision on the first day of the early signing period. He had offers from Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, UMASS and Toledo, according to 247sports.com.
Petry, perhaps the biggest surprise, might be the bigger add considering his position at offensive line. He is not a current high school senior. Instead, Petry is a JUCO Transfer. 247sports.com ranks the 6’5, 265 pound offensive linemen as a 3 star, 80 overall. 
His ratings don’t wow you. Syracuse did clearly need help on the line though and obviously ratings don’t tell the full story with anyone. It’s good to see the Orange going relatively late in the process and addressing needs. 
As for the TE Mang, the first thing that jumps out is his 6’7 height. Mang is currently unranked on 247sports.com, perhaps partially because he is from Germany. The tight end had a very similar offer sheet from Eastern Michigan, Toledo, and UMASS.
These two aren’t eye-popping rankings wise but they’re both international guys and it’s always nice to start off the big signing day with getting some bonus guys you didn’t expect.
