With three commits so far as part of the 2020 recruiting class, the Syracuse Orange still have plenty of work to do with regard to filling out the rest of the group. While last year saw an uptick near the end of the recruiting cycle due to SU’s strong level of play and top-15 ranking, this should be a full year of cashing in on all of that goodwill.
Over on 247Sports, Mike McAllister broke down recruiting targets by position and the top names to watch at each. That’s behind a paywall, so instead of listing individual names out here — I just wanted to mention a few positions worth keeping an eye on: Quarterback, offensive line, defensive line... and perhaps a punter. Syracuse hasn’t had the best of luck with passers since landing Tommy DeVito, so hoping that turns around in this cycle. One might assume if SU can’t land any of the remaining names on this list of offers, that they could be looking at the transfer portal.
As for the rest, there’s a lot more time to secure top commitments at those spots. QBs just move quicker, usually, and once the top names are off the board, you’re usually settling somewhat. No offense to 2019 addition David Summers, obviously. And he was actually a long-time Maryland commit before flipping. For reference, DeVito committed to Syracuse the April before National Signing Day.
That, plus the rest of your Syracuse-related links below:
Syracuse football recruiting priorities by position (CuseNation)
After a strong 2018 season that saw Syracuse hit 10 wins for the first time in 17 years, the Orange is looking to take their recruiting to the next level. Multiple four star prospects were on campus for Junior Day in March. Syracuse has landed at least one four star prospect in three straight recruiting cycles under head coach Dino Babers. Syracuse is now looking to land potentially more than one in 2020.
Which college football coaches could make the NFL leap? (NFL.com)
Babers started off with back-to-back 4-8 seasons at Syracuse following short, successful stints at Eastern Illinois and Bowling Green, but the Orange broke out with a 10-3 campaign last season. ‘Cuse hadn’t won 10 games in a season since 2001. Plus, Babers helped develop a guy named Jimmy Garoppolo at EIU. He’d be on my short list of candidates if I were running an NFL team.
Mother of Oranges: How Juli Boeheim became the matriarch of Syracuse basketball (Syracuse.com)
While many coaches’ spouses are spectral presences, Juli, 21 years younger, is not. She has delighted and comforted the program with her grace, kindness and compassion. She talks to Jim before and after every game, listens to his complaints and worries, and tries to find solutions to the problems inherent to a high-major college basketball team. Many of Jim’s best qualities as a coach may come from his relationship with Juli, who is content as his therapist, cook and best friend.
Scheduling wars set up a new future for college football that’ll be worth the wait (Sports Illustrated)
Still, I wouldn’t bet on a wholesale philosophy change until after the 2026 season. What happens then? The first College Football Playoff media rights deal ends. And if the Pac-12 or the Big Ten champ (or both) keep getting omitted from the field, the aggrieved leagues are going to demand a format that actually allows them to participate.
Orange standouts earn All-American honors (Cuse.com)
Four Syracuse stars were named Inside Lacrosse Media All-Americans for their success this season. Headlined by second team honoree Nick Mellen, a pair of third team selections in Brett Kennedy and Brendan Curry and honorable mention Peter Dearth, ‘Cuse tied with Virginia for the most honorees among ACC schools. ‘Cuse also only trailed Penn State and Maryland (five each) for most honorees.
Former Syracuse running back Dontae Strickland signs with Arizona Cardinals (Daily Orange)
Give Scott Satterfield time to clean up Bobby Petrino’s mess (SB Nation)
State of the program: With stronger foundation, Wake Forest pushes for another step forward (The Athletic)
How former Syracuse basketball players Andrew White III, John Gillon measured up at G League Elite Camp (Syracuse.com)
ACC leads the way with half of women’s quarterfinalists (US Lacrosse Magazine)