With the early National Signing Day mere days away, Syracuse has 17 commits with more likely to come in the next few days. So, with the 2020 recruiting cycle reaching its peak, let’s take a look at SU’s strengths, and positions that still need to add recruits.
QB, 0 Commits
Ideally every program wants to add at least one quarterback commit every class. Syracuse doesn’t have that quarterback yet, but it has been rumored to be in the mix for transfer Cade Fortin, former UNC quarterback. Besides Syracuse, Fortin also visited Vanderbilt, SMU, and Kansas. If DeVito has another mediocre season next year, without a quarterback waiting to replace him, SU could be in trouble. This season the Orange didn’t have any realistic options besides DeVito.
RB, 2 Commits – Sean Tucker, Marlowe Wax
Syracuse has stockpiled plenty of depth at running back. Mo Neal is graduating, but the Orange already have Abdul Adams and Jarveon Howard on the roster. Sean Tucker and Marlowe Wax add even more depth. Plus, commit Trebor Pena (listed as an ATH) may play running back.
WR, 2 Commits – Damien Alford, JaVontae Williams
Syracuse returns top receivers Trishton Jackson and Taj Harris, but adding more depth is always nice. Slot receiver Sean Riley is graduating, but his role seemed to fade near the end of the season. Alford is one of the best players in SU’s class, and gives DeVito a 6-foot-5 target that can go up for contested grabs. Meanwhile Williams, at 6-feet, is more of a burner.
OL, 1 Commit – Garth Barclay (OT)
Offensive line is the biggest concern for the 2020 recruiting class. Syracuse fans are well aware of the woes of the offensive line this past season, and it’s concerning that the Orange have just one offensive line commit. Barclay also needs to put on plenty of weight – he’s only 250 pounds. Granted he’s 6-foot-7 so he could grow into his body and become a force on the line in a couple of years.
TE, 1 Commit – Steven Mahar
Tight end isn’t a position of need for SU in this recruiting class with the emergence of junior Aaron Hackett and freshman Luke Benson. But at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, Mahar has the size to play tight end in the ACC. He’s a solid pass catcher that is comfortable running in motion.
DL, 4 Commits – Latarie Kinsler, Kevin Lemieux, Leon Lowery, Josua Ilaoa
This was the position group that needed to be addressed the most in this recruiting class. With Alton Robinson, Kendall Coleman, Kenneth Ruff, and Brandon Berry all graduating, Syracuse has plenty of holes on the defensive line. Senior McKinley Williams will be returning for a fifth year. But Kinsler is an athletic freak and is SU’s top ranked commit. He’s only 204 pounds but he could be a force in orange. Ilaoa is the only defensive tackle in the class and he’s already 280 pounds.
LB, 1 Commit – Stefon Thompson
After last year’s recruiting class, Syracuse is pretty well set up at linebacker, even though it loses Andrew Armstrong and Lakiem Williams. Freshman Mikel Jones showed flashes in his first season, and Lee Kpogba – who didn’t play due to injury – also excites the coaching staff.
Secondary, 3 Commits – Ben LaBrosse, Robert Hanna, Chase Atkinson
Even though Syracuse returns a young, solid secondary, it’s added three commits. There are positions to be filled with the graduation of Evan Foster, Chistopher Fredrick, Antwan Cordy, and Carl Jones. LaBrosse is the highest ranked of the three out of Montreal. At 6-2, 200 pounds, the safety has the size to play immediately.
ATH – Justin Barron, Trebor Pena
Barron played wide receiver, outside linebacker and safety in high school, and could play any of the three in college. He’s likely going to play on the defensive side of the ball. As mentioned before, Pena could play at running back where SU is already well stocked, or wide receiver on offense. He’s also played in the secondary in high school.
P/K, 1 Commit – James Williams
Williams is one of the top ranked punters and kickers in the country. Most special teamers aren’t ranked by 247sports, but Williams is. With the graduation of Sterling Hofrichter, there will be a wide-open competition at punter next season.
