National Signing Day: What’s left for Syracuse’s 2019 recruiting class?

National Signing Day is a sign of hope for programs across college football. A time of optimism, and to either forget about a disappointing season, or dream of future dynasties. For the Syracuse Orange, the key to sustained success after a 10-3 season will be recruiting. A year after pulling in the 50th rated 2018 class according to the 247Sports composite, Syracuse’s 2019 class currently sits at 18 commits (and 16 signees) ranked around No. 57/58 depending on when you look.

Head coach Dino Babers and his staff are still attempting to fill out the remainder of the class, and are in on several potential additions:

Recruits

Jason Muñoz, DE/Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (3 stars)

Muñoz flipped from Miami a little less than a week ago, committing to the Orange after he got out of his letter of intent with the ‘Canes. He’s already nearly 6-foot-4 and 276 pounds, so he’s someone who could end up jumping in to contribute right away along the line. Miami had him as a defensive tackle, so if that’s an area where SU needs an assist, he could be among the first names called.

David Summers, QB/Trumbull, Conn. (3 stars)

Syracuse finally got its 2019 QB last week, when Summers flipped from Maryland. With Chance Amie transferring out, he’s a timely addition for the Orange depth chart and also highlights a burgeoning connection between SU and QB coach Leon Clarke, who’s worked with both Tommy DeVito and Summers.

Dorian Hewett, safety/Houston, Tex. (3 stars)

Hewett was once committed to Syracuse, but decided to re-open his recruitment before taking an official visit to Utah. Currently, the Pac-12 runner-ups seem to be the favorite to land the athletic Hewett, although Syracuse is certainly not out of the race.

Garrison Johnson, RB/Manvel, Tex. (3 stars)

Johnson, a one-time North Texas commit, has seen an influx of interest from Syracuse in the recent weeks. Babers and QB coach Kirk Martin went down to Manvel High School (Martin’s old stomping grounds) to visit Johnson on Thursday, turning up the heat on his recruitment. Johnson has not named a group of finalists, but all indications point to Syracuse being serious contenders. After Michael Dukes picked Clemson on Saturday, Johnson’s the only other running back really in play.

Steven Linton, DE/Dublin, Ga. (3 stars)

Linton has been highly-recruited since he visited Syracuse’s campus six months ago. Linton is currently down to Syracuse, Missouri, Arizona State and USF heading to National Signing Day. The NCAA penalties levied on Missouri this week may play into Syracuse’s hands.

Transfers

Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Alexander, OT/South Alabama

Alexander is looking for a new home after he graduates from South Alabama in May. Alexander grew up in Floral Park, N.Y. and went Holy Trinity High School, so he already has strong ties to the Empire State. The 6-foot-3, 303-pound tackle can quickly slide into Syracuse’s offensive line and maybe even grab a starting spot, with experience at both tackle positions. Alexander also holds offers from Rutgers and Tulane, and will likely decide after Signing Day.

Jeffrey Gunter, DE/Coastal Carolina

Gunter, a First-Team All-Sun Belt selection this season, will have to sit out the 2019 season, but will have two years of eligibility remaining when he’s ready to play in 2020. Gunter registered 49 tackles, 14 TFL, and 5 sacks for the Chanticleers in 2018. Tulane has also offered Gunter, according to his Twitter.