National Signing Day, Syracuse Recruiting: Ryan Norton, Kickoff Specialist

by Dan Lyons on Feb 1, 2012 4:31 PM EST in Syracuse Football

Not much is known about kicker Ryan Norton, other than that he has a monster leg. Kickoffs were a huge issue for this team last year, especially with Ross Krautman suffering from a nagging injury last year. If Norton can put the ball in the endzone consistently, it will be a huge advantagae for SU.

Stats Me: 48 touchbacks this year, with an average of around 70 yards and a long of 80 on kickoffs. He is 13-20 on field goals in his high school career.

Rivals says...unrated.

Scout says...two stars.

ESPN says...no stars, grade of 45.

Who's Crying?: He had a Rice offer, and interest from Georgia Tech.

Money Quote: "My best strength is definitely kickoffs with distance and hangtime. I think I need to work on punting and accuracy with field goals."

Which SU Coach Gets a Bonus?: John Anselmo was the lead recruiter for Norton.

Fun Fact: Norton is also an accomplished Lacrosse player. He plays midfield for Garden City High School.

Boom Go the Kicks:

Ryan Norton Garden City Kicker (via ckoep3611)

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Could be one of the most important recruits

If this guy can drill kickoffs into the end zone, we’ll get more touchbacks and opportunities to keep teams deep. Also, if the hangtime on the kickoffs is an improvement, perhaps better coverage?

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by ezcuse on Feb 1, 2012 4:48 PM EST reply actions

I agree... kickoffs really hurt us last year, plus....

I like an athletic looking kicker, one that can actually make a tackle that saves a touchdown on a kickoff… he seems to have the size, and as a lacrosse player, he must have the skills, to be able to be the “last man”!

by OrangeNutz on Feb 1, 2012 9:46 PM EST up reply actions