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Stat Me: Denzel Ward is a 6-foot-8, 307-pound offensive tackle from the Chicagoland area. Ward played at the well-known football program Simeon Prep where he became one of the biggest recruits in the state of Illinois.
Seein' Stars: Rivals, 247 Sports, Scout and ESPN - 3 stars.
Who's Crying?: The University of South Florida or South Florida University or Poor Ol' USF.
Money Quote: A few weeks ago Ward made his official visit to SU. After the visit he told 247 Sports' Steve Wiltfong that Syracuse is: "It’s just a football program on rise."
Which SU Coach Gets a Bonus?: Not sure who gets credit here, but sounds like head coach Scott Shafer made a bit impact on him during his official visit a few weeks ago.
Fun Fact: Ward was a classic example of what recruiting can do to a teenager, as he has bounced around high schools before finally ending up at Chicago powerhouse Simeon Prep. His first college choice was Michigan before it was Purdue, which lost him when he changed his mind in December. His re-opened recruiting pitted Syracuse against USF. In the end, the good guys won out.
According to CSNChicago, Ward is the seventh member from the EDGYTIM.com Class of 2014 (Prep School Spotlight) to ink with the Orange. You could say the Orange's Chicagoland recruiting ties are strong.
Meet Denzel Ward: