Syracuse Football Recruiting: 3-star RB B.J. Daniels commits to Orange

Two days after 3-star Florida running back Markenzy Pierre flipped his commitment from Western Kentucky to Syracuse, the Orange landed a second Class of 2017 3-star running back from the Sunshine State after Palm Bay prospect B.J. Daniels announced his commitment to Syracuse on Monday night.

(Please disregard the “University of Syracuse” typo. He didn’t know. It’s not his fault)

Syracuse running backs coach Mike Hart was reportedly Daniel’s primary recruiter. Hart offered Daniels a scholarship last Wednesday.

“I see a great opportunity for me as a young back with a coach like Mike Hart," Daniels told Scout’s Mike McAllister. "I think I have an opportunity to make an impact early if I can do what I'm supposed to do.”

Daniels is rated as a 3-star prospect by 247sports and Scout, respectively. Syracuse head coach Dino Babers traditionally favors big power backs, and Daniels – at 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds – certainly fits that mold.

The Palm Bay Senior High School prospect previously told Syracuse.com that Hart praised him as being a good fit for Syracuse’s offense.

“(Hart) loves my size, he likes that I can run at my size, still produce those long runs and keep it up throughout the game,” Daniels said. “I think they're looking forward to using me I'm looking forward to jumping right in.”

Syracuse currently has sophomores Dontae Strickland and Jordan Fredericks, as well as freshman Moe Neal at the running back position. However, none of the three are taller than 5-foot-11, and only Fredericks, at 209 pounds, weighs more than 200 pounds.

Fellow Syracuse commit Pierre previously told Syracuse.com that Hart had expressed some concern regarding the current group of running backs’ ability to run the ball downfield. Syracuse ranks 112nd in the country in rushing yards per game, with 129.6.

“(Hart) let me know that the coaches' favorite play is power and the backs they have right now aren't physically able to run the ball downhill,” Pierre said.

In addition to Syracuse, Daniels also received offers from USF, Maryland, Florida Atlantic, Colorado State, Florida International and South Alabama, according to Scout. Daniels previously told Syracuse.com he was deciding between Syracuse and USF.

The 3-star running back has rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns so far this season, helping lead Palm Bay to an undefeated 7-0 record, according to Space Coast Daily.

Daniels is the third Class of 2017 running back to commit to Syracuse, joining Pierre and Allen Stritzinger. He is the 20th Class of 2017 Syracuse football commit overall.

Check out some of Daniels’ sophomore year highlights.