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With the recent news that Syracuse had withdrawn its scholarship offer from Sadiq Palmer for academic reason, it became clear that the Orange needed at least one wide receiver in this class, if not more. One of those targeted by Coach Babers and his staff was a Florida receiver who has an offer from the previous staff.
Syracuse originally offer Johnny Huntley back in March of last year. However, Huntley committed to Colorado in August. When the new staff took over for the Syracuse Orange, they again focused on Huntley as an option. Huntley scheduled to Syracuse for the weekend of January 15th. However, yesterday Huntley tweeted that he is 100% committed to Colorado and will not be visiting any more schools or respond to recruiters who contact him.
Other Options
Syracuse will continue to look for wide receivers in this class. As we have discussed previously, Moe Neal may be better suited for a slot wide receiver in Coach Babers' system than as a running back, especially if Syracuse brings in a bigger running back like Kentrail Moran or Sam Brodner in this class.
Another wide receiver target is DeVaughn Cooper. Cooper is a 5'11" receiver from Narbonne High School in Harbor City, California, who is rated three stars. Cooper is committed to Arizona but was offered by the Orange today. Syracuse also has shown interest in two of Cooper's classmates at Narbonne, offensive athletes Sean Riley and Cedric Byrd. Both Riley & Byrd are undersized RB/WRs but are lightening quick. Here's Cooper's Hudl highlights:
Syracuse also offered WR Desmond Fitzpatrick today. Fitzpatrick is a 6'1.5" 185 lbs. 4-star from Waterford Mott High School in Michigan. Fitzpatrick has an impressive offer list including Louisville, Nebraska, Arizona, Michigan and Pittsburgh. Fitzpatrick visited Indiana on December 11th and they continue to be a favorite for his services, along with Louisville & Nebraska. Fitzpatrick will visit Louisville at the end of January.