Early signing period: 2021 LB Malik Matthew signs with Syracuse Orange

Recruiting season is back! College football’s early signing period begins today for the class of 2021, and the Syracuse Orange are adding new recruits starting Wednesday (through maybe Friday). As each player signs on the dotted line, we’re posting profiles here on TNIAAM. Next up is Malik Matthew, linebacker from the Bronx, top 5 recruit from New York.

Twitter feed: @terrylockett7

Hometown: Bronx, NY

Previous School: Herbert H Lehmen

Stats: 6’3”, 210 lbs.

Commitment date: May 22, 2020

Position: Linebacker

Ratings: 3 Stars all the way around.

Other Offers: Malik was getting looks from BC, State University of New Jersey, Temple, Buffalo, Kent State, and Temple.

Dino’s projected nickname: “Bronx Brawler”

Player Breakdown: At first glance, Malik has the look of a Babers linebacker: athletic, a tad undersized weight wise, but makes up for it with length and explosiveness. While playing middle linebacker, Matthews showed an ability to explode into the backfield, even after waiting on reads on option or misdirection plays. That kind of lateral quickness will be crucial in the 3-3-5, especially if he plays in on of the outside roles. (He played inside linebacker while in high school.) Linebacker is a crowded position for Syracuse right now, which plays in Matthews’ favor: another 10-15 pounds would make him an ideal size to best utilize his explosiveness and tendency to go for the big play.

Highlights: