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Name: Denzel Ward
Position: Offensive tackle
Year: Freshman
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 363
Hometown: Chicago, IL
High School: Neal F. Simeon
2013 Stats: Not a lot to find. As a senior in high school, and a captain, he led his team to the 2013 City Championships, though.
2014 Projections: He's expected to redshirt, learn a lot from fifth-year left tackle, Sean Hickey, and then "be that guy sophomore year" once Hickey moves on.
How'd He Get Here: After offers from Ohio State, Oklahoma, UCLA, and more, he committed to Purdue. He re-opened his recruiting, though, and ultimately picked Syracuse over USF.
What'd Recruiting Sites Say: Three stars from Rivals, Scout, 247 Sports, and ESPN.
Money Quote: On SU after his official visit:
It's just a football program on rise.
Links Of Wonder: Check out Nate Mink's behind-the-scenes look at the day Ward announced he would attend Syracuse.
Twitterfeed: @DWard75_
Tweets Of Wonder:
my syracuse football brothers really have my back man, i'm going to have a great time here
— Denzel Ward (@DWard75_) July 3, 2014
What Does Shafer Think Of Him: How about something from running backs coach DeAndre Smith?
When you have depth at certain positions, you can lean more toward a guy you can develop. Denzel is a kid that has the chance to be a really good player. You work them and you develop them.
Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Ward only started playing organized football during his junior year in high school. Whoa.
Let's Get A Good Look Atcha:
(Via ACC Digital Network)
