Dino Babers and company got fantastic news on the recruiting front Friday.
Enter Ike Daniels into the picture for the future. The Stafford, VA native is a three-star running back and the 44th best at his position in the class of 2023 per 24/7 Sports. It goes without saying this affects SU’s situation dramatically. Here are three instant positives from Daniels’ commitment.
1. IT WILL FILL AN IMMEDIATE NEED
Assuming Sean Tucker declares for the NFL Draft after this season, running back could be a huge position of need at this time next year. And even if Tucker does return, there is no proven backup right now after SU lost Cooper Lutz and Abdul Adams this offseason. If no one steps up this year, Daniels is right there waiting in 2023. Yes, he’ll be a true freshman, but Tucker led the team in rushing yards in his first season. Daniels will have a golden opportunity to step up the second he arrives on campus, and it could be a big benefit to the team’s immediate future.
2. THIS OFFENSE IS NOW MORE APPEALING TO OTHER RECRUITS
The 2023 recruiting class on the offensive side of the ball is in fantastic shape. Daniels along with highly-touted quarterback LaNorris Sellers are now the building blocks for the class. In other words, the future is bright. It could get even brighter when offensive tackle Naquil Betrand announces his decision on Friday. It’s hard to not imagine a stylish addition like Daniels wouldn’t be appealing to other class of ’23 recruits including Betrand. The addition of Daniels can give the Orange a serious jump towards a deep class this recruiting season and beyond.
3. SU BEAT VERY GOOD COMPETITION FOR DANIELS
The other schools that were interested in Daniels aren’t exactly scrubs in the college football realm. The list includes Big Ten powers Michigan State and Penn State as well as a few ACC foes Wake Forest, Pitt, Boston College, Virginia, and Virginia Tech. Not a bad list, right? SU proving it can beat this competition is a great first step, especially when you consider the competition for Betrand includes reigning-champion Georgia. That’s an entirely different animal, but bringing Daniels in is a step in the right direction. Syracuse is proving it can recruit with the big boys, and it’s an absolute game-changer.
So Daniels will in all likelihood fill a hole on the roster, attract other recruits (especially on the offensive end), and SU won a tough race to get him. What’s not to like? In what could be a make-or-break year for Babers in the 315, this is an awfully good look for him and his staff.
