National Signing Day: JUCO TE Ravian Pierce already on campus at Syracuse

While Syracuse Orange fans eagerly await class of 2017 commits to sign their respective National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, a number of SU’s 2017 recruits are already signed and on campus. One of those names is JUCO transfer Ravian Pierce, who committed to Syracuse in December after spending the past two years at Southwest Mississippi Community College.

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Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

High School Junior College: Southwest Mississippi Community College

Position: Tight end

Stats: 6’4”, 225 pounds

Commitment Date: December 15, 2016

Ratings: Four stars by ESPN and Scout, three stars by 247Sports and Rivals

Other Offers: Pierce received offers from LSU, Mississippi State, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee, among others.

Dino’s Projected Nickname: “Pierce-ing opposing defenses”

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The tight end position was seemingly nonexistent in Syracuse’s offense in Dino Baber’s first year at the helm – starter Cam MacPherson finished the season with just five receptions for 34 yards – but that may change with Pierce now in the fold. The former Mississippi State signee is already on campus and participating in winter strength training, and is the presumptive favorite to emerge as Syracuse’s starting tight end for next season.

Pierce is rated four stars and the No. 3 tight end, and No. 21 prospect, in the JUCO Class of 2017 by 247Sports. He caught 50 passes for 426 yards and two touchdowns last season at Southwest Mississippi. Pierce also added 42 rushing yards on seven carries, and was named an NJCAA All-American Honorable Mention. Pierce is one of two tight end prospects in Syracuse’s 2017 recruiting class, with incoming three-star recruit Aaron Hackett being the other.