Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician - National Signing Day: Syracuse football’s 2020 commits sign letters of intentAll the Syracuse Orange #jokesandgarbage fit to print.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49165/nunes-fave.png2020-02-05T13:00:00-05:00http://www.nunesmagician.com/rss/stream/207916472020-02-05T13:00:00-05:002020-02-05T13:00:00-05:00National Signing Day: Recapping Syracuse’s defensive signees
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Louisville at Syracuse" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r1tyTQnEGDEayNzPNvY17XERFXs=/0x0:2750x1833/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66256397/usa_today_9543866.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Who’s suiting up for new defensive coordinator Tony White?</p> <p id="8zkmP4"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/">Syracuse Orange</a> football’s 2020 recruiting class is all wrapped up — barring late additions this spring, anyway. And though most of the players in this year’s class actually signed on the dotted line back in December, National Signing Day made us want to remind everyone who’s in the door on both sides of the ball.</p>
<p id="FOjhwZ">Between December and Wednesday, SU added a grand total of 11 defensive players — plus one special teamer! Those names:</p>
<p id="6nocxs"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2020/2/5/21024543/early-signing-period-2020-s-chase-atkinson-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Chase Atkinson</strong></a><strong>, S</strong></p>
<p id="B9D11G">Some people are going to look at Atkinson’s offer list and be underwhelmed, but as mentioned before and in our write up on <a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/7/31/20748970/syracuse-football-recruiting-orange-land-2020-db-chase-atkinson-class-ranking">his commitment,</a> Syracuse got in on Atkinson so early, he wasn’t even ranked and now he’s a 3 star recruit. The coaching staff clearly saw potential here, and I’m inclined to believe in them. I don’t know if Atkinson is playing much in year one, but beyond that, he should be a solid defensive back in the Orange rotation.</p>
<p id="C2CKFu"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21024150/early-signing-period-2020-ath-justin-barron-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Justin Barron</strong></a><strong>, ATH</strong></p>
<p id="aMOTyF">This entirely depends on what position group Barron gets put in, as he could literally play all of wide receiver, tight end, defensive end, linebacker and even potentially safety. However, early indications are that Barron will be put at wide receiver. Should this hold true, he’ll be an almost surefire redshirt bet in a position group returning basically everyone except Sean Riley. However, after 2020, the Orange lose Nykeim Johnson. That could provide an opening for Barron to contribute as a redshirt freshman, but then again, Cuse’s receiving corps is loaded with young talent and it could be very tough to emerge from that pool so early.</p>
<p id="xo4hrs"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2020/2/5/21123775/national-signing-day-2020-safety-jahad-carter-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Jahad Carter</strong></a><strong>, S</strong></p>
<p id="t2vY3v">Carter enters a pretty crowded safety depth chart, but if he had enough talent for Virginia Tech a year ago, you have to think enough talent to potentially work his way up SU’s chart over time. Maybe we see more of him on the field in a year. He already seems to have the sort of size required for the system.</p>
<p id="oNXdVU"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21024131/early-signing-period-2020-s-robert-hanna-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Robert Hanna</strong></a><strong>, S</strong></p>
<p id="EOpqG8">Syracuse has plenty of defensive backs waiting in the wings to replace <span>Christopher Fredrick</span>, <span>Antwan Cordy</span>, <span>Scoop Bradshaw</span>, and Evan Foster. That said, only <span>Allen Stritzinger</span> stands out as anyone with some experience that could be safely considered in the rotation. Hanna won’t be an early enrollee, but there’s a chance he impresses early and gets special teams work, which leads to snaps in early games. 2021 and beyond? He should be another athletic defensive back that can step up and get a starting role as early as ‘21.</p>
<p id="SXgoDO"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21024952/early-signing-period-2020-dt-josh-ilaoa-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Joshua Ilaoa</strong></a><strong>, DT</strong></p>
<p id="x0Sc3X">Syracuse will be returning <span>McKinley Williams</span>, <span>Josh Black</span> and <span>Curtis Harper</span> along the interior of the defensive line but the Orange will need to have depth behind them. Depending on how quickly Josh can show that he can hold up in the middle will determine how much he’ll see the field next Fall.</p>
<p id="rFxEvO"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21010389/early-signing-period-2020-de-latarie-kinsler-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Latarie Kinsler</strong></a><strong>, DE</strong></p>
<p id="IjvGQp">Defensive end is a big hole for the Orange next year with the departures of <span>Kendall Coleman</span> and Alton Robinson. Under Babers, the Orange have not been shy to thrust promising freshman into the rotation from the get go, with <span>Andre Cisco</span> and <span>Mikel Jones</span> being the most prominent examples. It sure seems like there’s <a href="http://dailyorange.com/2019/11/inside-4-star-latarie-kinsler-jr-s-decision-commit-syracuse/">been some promises made to this extent</a>, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s getting plenty of snaps by ACC play.</p>
<p id="TSjx22"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21002100/early-signing-period-2020-s-ben-labrosse-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Ben LaBrosse</strong></a><strong>, S</strong></p>
<p id="jXsC5i">Syracuse is losing a lot of secondary depth and there will be opportunities for someone with Labrosse’s size to find the field especially on special teams. We’ll see if he’s able to push for a spot on the depth chart. He adds to the talent that Dino Babers has been able to bring from Canada and we’ll see how quickly he’ll make the transition to the level of play in the ACC.</p>
<p id="iHq8F8"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21003968/early-signing-period-2020-de-kevin-lemieux-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Kevin Lemieux</strong></a><strong>, DE</strong></p>
<p id="vh5NV4">He looks more the prototype end with his frame, rather than a tweener that would be converted to outside linebacker, as sometimes happens. As such, the roster looks to have a few folks in front of Lemieux, in <span>Josh Black</span> and Kingsley Johnathon to start, then <span>Drew Tuazama</span> and <span>Steve Linton</span>, but there’s some room for growth and a good season to redshirt and get into the system for the Massachusetts product.</p>
<p id="ITbbiX"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21003969/earlysigning-period-2020-de-leon-lowery-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Leon Lowery</strong></a><strong>, DE</strong></p>
<p id="sALUhi">At his current size, Lowery may be more in the outside linebacker mold, but if he puts on some weight, his frame could play a weak side defensive end, like a Tyrell Richards. Both positions could use some depth moving forward, but I would say that the hope is that Leon comes in and is able to redshirt, take advantage of the strength and conditioning system and move forward in whatever position that the staff decides to utilize him in.</p>
<p id="KLr6J8"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21025203/early-signing-period-2020-lb-stefon-thompson-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Stefon Thompson</strong></a><strong>, LB</strong></p>
<p id="z4Ue5d">The linebacker position is going to be hard to get a read on before the new system’s installed, but Thompson has the body type to excel in coverage and keep up with quicker wideouts. Using the <a href="https://247sports.com/player/stefon-thompson-46057247/">4.53-second shuttle time</a> posted from the Opening Regional back in April, may already be on the faster end with just a little more work. Thompson’s one of a handful of early enrollees this cycle, and that could give him a chance for some early playing time. At the very least we’ll probably see some of him in the spring game as he and the rest of the Orange’s young linebackers figure out their place in this scheme.</p>
<p id="l1aozf"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21002209/early-signing-period-2020-p-james-williams-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>James Williams</strong></a><strong>, P</strong></p>
<p id="BZ4e4A">With the graduation of <span>Sterling Hofrichter</span> the expectation is that <span>Williams</span> will be the Orange’s punter in 2020. Syracuse has certainly been spoiled by having Hofrichter but the hope is that <span>Williams</span> can continue the tradition of outstanding kickers in the Dome.</p>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2020/2/5/21123808/national-signing-day-recapping-syracuse-football-defensive-signees-orange-babers-recruitingJohn Cassillo2020-02-05T12:38:08-05:002020-02-05T12:38:08-05:00National Signing Day: Recapping Syracuse’s offensive signees
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Wake Forest at Syracuse" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TWHEM1O-CEueUN7H55tbi4vpWmw=/0x0:3905x2603/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66256291/usa_today_13732433.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Syracuse added 11 players on Dino’s favorite side of the ball.</p> <p id="8zkmP4"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/">Syracuse Orange</a> football’s 2020 recruiting class is all wrapped up — barring late additions this spring, anyway. And though most of the players in this year’s class actually signed on the dotted line back in December, National Signing Day made us want to remind everyone who’s in the door on both sides of the ball.</p>
<p id="FOjhwZ">Between December and Wednesday, SU added a grand total of 11 offensive players. Those names:</p>
<p id="MZAiUE"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21025291/early-signing-period-2020-wr-damien-alford-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Damien Alford</strong></a><strong>, WR</strong></p>
<p id="w1DR1b">Alford’s looked even better in Florida since heading down from Canada, and his size — 6-foot-5 — certainly jumps off the page right away. While SU’s been able to get quick receivers and some solid possession guys, the last few classes haven’t necessarily brought in a ton of BIG wideouts in the same mold as guys like <span>Amba Etta-Tawo</span> and Jamal Custis. Alford could become a capable deep threat and one that could physically overpower most downfield defenders with a little more weight. Certainly one to watch next summer.</p>
<p id="ZSStFs"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21002162/early-signing-period-2020-ot-garth-barclay-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Garth Barclay</strong></a><strong>, OT</strong></p>
<p id="RhHtNh">Thanks to the experience returning to the Syracuse offensive line next season Barclay will have time to get acclimated to the Orange strength and conditioning program. He certainly has the ideal height and wingspan for the tackle position and will be an interesting prospect to watch develop.</p>
<p id="fF9UhN"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21024116/early-signing-period-2020-te-steven-mahar-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Steven Mahar</strong></a><strong>, TE</strong></p>
<p id="ipCRiB">The Orange still have both experienced senior <span>Aaron Hackett</span> and emerging threat <span>Luke Benson</span> at the tight end position for 2020, meaning Mahar is a strong candidate to redshirt. But we saw Syracuse use both TEs regularly throughout games in the back half of 2019 and one would imagine Benson will get even more targets next year. Once Hackett graduates, Mahar good become a contributor for the Orange rather quickly, though he may have to compete with fellow 2020 signee Justin Barron if the coaches put him in that position group.</p>
<p id="Dxf6Bm"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21027859/early-signing-period-2020-maximilian-mang-and-mark-petry-sign-with-syracuse-football-recruiting"><strong>Maximilian Mang</strong></a><strong>, TE</strong></p>
<p id="kY0SC9">We knew virtually nothing about Mang until he signed in December, but the massive — 6-foot-7, 253 lbs. — tight end figures to be a matchup nightmare for teams down the line, and a very capable blocker. He has time to get acclimated to the speed and skill level of the American game, but once he does, look out.</p>
<p id="LOkLPE"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2020/2/5/21121474/national-signing-day-2020-quarterback-dillon-markiewicz-signs-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Dillon Markiewicz</strong></a><strong>, QB</strong></p>
<p id="u3h9RX">A player who I don’t know if we’ll know the extent of for a while, behind <span>Tommy DeVito</span>, but Markiewicz put up a gaudy stat line in Texas 5A during his senior season. He passed for 4,187 yards and 45 touchdowns, with only 6 interceptions on the campaign. Not bad for a quarterback who just recently picked up speed in the recruiting cycle. Likely, he redshirts this season and can look to contribute down the road. He has a frame to build on at this level, so we’ll have to see how he develops.</p>
<p id="OwRw35"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2020/2/5/21123710/national-signing-day-2020-qb-jacobian-morgan-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Jacobian Morgan</strong></a><strong>, QB</strong></p>
<p id="AKvJlb">For a player that’s only been a quarterback for a year, the tape shows Morgan has a decent ability to throw the ball downfield with accuracy, and could display some mobility. He’s tall and could be a bit of a “diamond in the rough” with some time. It’s difficult to see him hitting the field in the next couple years barring a complete disaster. But in time, Dino could have an interesting passer on his hands.</p>
<p id="m8EvTk"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21010410/early-signing-period-2020-wr-trebor-pena-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Trebor Pena</strong></a><strong>, WR</strong></p>
<p id="DH5BwT">The Orange are pretty stacked at receiver, so I don’t think Trebor sees the field much his freshman year. That being said, the new redshirt rule does allow us to see some faces a few times, and Pena has the size and make up of a traditional slot receiver the Orange lacked this year. An impressive camp could lead to 4 games of a shot there plus some special teams work, before settling into those roles long term.</p>
<p id="AVpp5i"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21027859/early-signing-period-2020-maximilian-mang-and-mark-petry-sign-with-syracuse-football-recruiting"><strong>Mark Petry</strong></a><strong>, OT</strong></p>
<p id="1vOa7k">Petry comes in with JUCO experience and the sort of size (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) — that could plug in as a depth add right away from the Orange. Given last year’s offensive line struggles, you can never have enough players at the position, and he could very well find himself in the rotation should injuries (hopefully not) strike once again this fall.</p>
<p id="xbwWv0"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21003967/early-signing-period-2020-rb-sean-tucker-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruiting"><strong>Sean Tucker</strong></a><strong>, RB</strong></p>
<p id="YGplBu">Tucker will fit into a solid list of returning players, so he’s likely to be able to redshirt and get a little more acclimated to the Orange system. With Abdul Adams, <span>Jawhar Jordan</span>, <span>Jarveon Howard</span> and <span>Markenzy Pierre</span> coming back, there won’t be too many carries to go around for the true freshman, but he may get some run in a blowout or two with the still relatively new redshirt rules.</p>
<p id="Cg7Y1d"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21025264/early-signing-period-2020-rb-marlowe-wax-signs-with-syracuse-recruiting-orange-football"><strong>Marlowe Wax</strong></a><strong>, RB</strong></p>
<p id="BYhscp">Wax played on both sides of the ball in high school, and collected an impressive 29 tackles for loss as a senior linebacker. For now, at least, he’s slated to be a running back for the Orange though, and there he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 18 scores this fall. He’d also come to campus as the second biggest halfback on the roster by weight, potentially providing some needed power in short yardage situations. Given the number of running backs on the roster right now, he’ll get time to develop, but we could eventually have a quality between-the-tackles runner on our hands.</p>
<p id="CldfH9"><a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21027604/early-signing-period-2020-wr-javontae-williams-signs-with-syracuse-orange-recruiting-football"><strong>Ja’Vontae Williams</strong></a><strong>, WR</strong></p>
<p id="uDH5PO">The more Florida speed we can add at the receiver position the better, and Williams certainly fits the bill. He’s also the sort of wideout that can catch passes in various parts of the field, with some good size at nearly 200 pounds. Since he’s one of a handful of players who intends to enroll in January, the extra time with the playbook could pay some major dividends. But with an extensive list of players at the position already, it’ll be a tough depth chart to crack for at least a year.</p>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2020/2/5/21123794/national-signing-day-recapping-syracuse-football-offensive-signees-recruiting-orange-babersJohn Cassillo2020-02-05T09:49:48-05:002020-02-05T09:49:48-05:00National Signing Day: Safety Jahad Carter signs with SU
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Central Michigan at Syracuse" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9EqQpod-HwCgmfJpbaxyUzoJlhA=/0x0:3731x2487/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66254308/usa_today_10283644.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>SU wasn’t done with the late additions, adding another DB for 2020.</p> <p id="q5fDvE">While many of the <a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/">Syracuse Orange</a> recruits for the 2020 season signed back in December, during the early signing period, the remainder will be inking today on National Signing Day! Each of these athletes will be helping the Orange in their quest to return to the postseason this coming season. As each player signs, we’ll be posting profiles here on TNIAAM. Here, get to know a late addition to this year’s class, Jahad Carter.</p>
<p id="uLDsAE"><strong>Twitter feed: </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/jayalmighty6">@jayalmighty6</a></p>
<p id="i71W2f"><strong>Hometown: </strong>Richmond, Va.</p>
<p id="gew7H8"><strong>High School: </strong>Jireh Prep (N.C.)</p>
<p id="RuwZkq"><strong>Position: </strong>Safety</p>
<p id="6UjVbm"><strong>Commitment date</strong>: Today!</p>
<p id="02QLx8"><strong>Height: </strong>6’0”</p>
<p id="HAqJfk"><strong>Weight: </strong>185 lbs.</p>
<p id="F6F7rf"><strong>Ratings: </strong>Rivals said two stars, while Carter had threes from both ESPN and 247. We prefer the latter services, in this case.</p>
<p id="cqyV1H"><strong>Other offers:</strong> This time around? Notably, Texas Tech, FAU and Marshall. Though he was going to wind up with Virginia Tech a year ago before he had to head to Jireh.</p>
<p id="jOKjQp"><strong>Dino’s predicted nickname: </strong>“Coach” - for <em>Coach Carter</em>, the 2005 drama starring Samuel L. Jackson. The real-life Coach Carter was in Richmond, though out here in California, rather than Jahad’s home in Virginia. Still, enough similarities to make it work.</p>
<p id="4I3VhG"><strong>Player outlook: </strong>Carter enters a pretty crowded safety depth chart, but if he had enough talent for Virginia Tech a year ago, you have to think enough talent to potentially work his way up SU’s chart over time. Maybe we see more of him on the field in a year. He already seems to have the sort of size required for the system.</p>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2020/2/5/21123775/national-signing-day-2020-safety-jahad-carter-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruitingJohn Cassillo2020-02-05T08:26:38-05:002020-02-05T08:26:38-05:00National Signing Day: Dillon Markiewicz signs with SU
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<img alt="Syracuse v Maryland" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/motW0TtPwcjeJ1lcz3sipPqjXD8=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66253752/1175069140.jpg.0.jpg" />
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<p>The QB heads north from Texas to Syracuse. </p> <p id="q5fDvE">While many of the <a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/">Syracuse Orange</a> recruits for the 2020 season signed back in December, during the early signing period, the remainder will be inking today on National Signing Day! Each of these athletes will be helping the Orange in their quest to return to the postseason this coming season. As each player signs, we’ll be posting profiles here on TNIAAM. Next up is quarterback Dillon Markiewicz.</p>
<p id="uLDsAE"><strong>Twitter feed:</strong><a href="https://twitter.com/dmarkiewicz4?lang=en"><strong> </strong>@dmarkiewicz4</a></p>
<p id="i71W2f"><strong>Hometown: </strong>McKinney, Tex.</p>
<p id="gew7H8"><strong>High School: </strong>McKinney North High School</p>
<p id="RuwZkq"><strong>Position: </strong>Quarterback</p>
<p id="6UjVbm"><strong>Commitment date</strong>: <a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2020/1/29/21113061/syracuse-football-recruiting-qb-dillon-markiewicz-commits-to-orange-quarterback-texas">January 29, 2020</a></p>
<p id="02QLx8"><strong>Height: </strong>6’4”</p>
<p id="HAqJfk"><strong>Weight: </strong>215 lbs.</p>
<p id="F6F7rf"><strong>Ratings: </strong>Three stars from ESPN and 247, unranked by Rivals.</p>
<p id="cqyV1H"><strong>Other offers:</strong> Syracuse came in late in the process overall, but got in before Boise State offered. He also had offers from Texas State and Stephen F. Austin. </p>
<p id="jOKjQp"><strong>Dino’s predicted nickname: </strong>Stretching off Dino’s film love, but maybe King Louis, since he has an identical twin, Austin Markiewicz, who just committed as a center to play at Texas State. The movie, for reference would be <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120744/"><em>The Man in the Iron Mask</em></a>, from 1998. </p>
<p id="srEeo9"><strong>Highlights: </strong></p>
<div id="D07qNK"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/3386547/5dc9f7379676d40d98d67566" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="8h8vA6"><strong>Player outlook: </strong>A player who I don’t know if we’ll know the extent of for a while, behind <span>Tommy DeVito</span>, but Markiewicz put up a gaudy stat line in Texas 5A during his senior season. He passed for 4,187 yards and 45 touchdowns, with only 6 interceptions on the campaign. Not bad for a quarterback who just recently picked up speed in the recruiting cycle. Likely, he redshirts this season and can look to contribute down the road. He has a frame to build on at this level, so we’ll have to see how he develops. </p>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2020/2/5/21121474/national-signing-day-2020-quarterback-dillon-markiewicz-signs-syracuse-orange-football-recruitingSteve Haller2020-02-05T08:15:46-05:002020-02-05T08:15:46-05:00National Signing Day: QB Jacobian Morgan signs with SU
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<img alt="Western Michigan v Syracuse" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Rr16Qewhb_K7hhZQ3zZSDsa_qzs=/0x0:4971x3314/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66253687/1176242124.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>One of two recent additions to the recruiting class signs.</p> <p id="q5fDvE">While many of the <a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/">Syracuse Orange</a> recruits for the 2020 season signed back in December, during the early signing period, the remainder will be inking today on National Signing Day! Each of these athletes will be helping the Orange in their quest to return to the postseason this coming season. As each player signs, we’ll be posting profiles here on TNIAAM. This time, it’s Mississippi’s own Jacobian Morgan.</p>
<p id="uLDsAE"><strong>Twitter feed: </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/jacobian_morgan">@jacobian_morgan</a></p>
<p id="i71W2f"><strong>Hometown: </strong>Canton, Miss.</p>
<p id="gew7H8"><strong>High School: </strong>Canton</p>
<p id="RuwZkq"><strong>Position: </strong>Quarterback</p>
<p id="6UjVbm"><strong>Commitment date</strong>: <a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2020/1/27/21083376/syracuse-football-recruiting-wide-receiver-jacobian-morgan-commits-orange-syracuse-football">January 27, 2020</a></p>
<p id="02QLx8"><strong>Height: </strong>6’4”</p>
<p id="HAqJfk"><strong>Weight: </strong>200 lbs.</p>
<p id="F6F7rf"><strong>Ratings: </strong>Three stars from ESPN and 247. Rivals didn’t </p>
<p id="cqyV1H"><strong>Other offers:</strong> Jackson State and Austin Peay have offers in. That’s probably not what you wanted to hear, but we were late to get a QB, so things happen sometimes.</p>
<p id="jOKjQp"><strong>Dino’s predicted nickname: </strong>The Law Firm.<strong> </strong>“Jacoby & Meyers” isn’t a movie reference, but it’s a good reference (h/t 721 Comstock)</p>
<div id="aqO5K6"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9766477/5d8058575b46ad121846734a" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="87yp7j"><strong>Player outlook: </strong>For a player that’s only been a quarterback for a year, the tape shows Morgan has a decent ability to throw the ball downfield with accuracy, and could display some mobility. He’s tall and could be a bit of a “diamond in the rough” with some time. It’s difficult to see him hitting the field in the next couple years barring a complete disaster. But in time, Dino could have an interesting passer on his hands.</p>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2020/2/5/21123710/national-signing-day-2020-qb-jacobian-morgan-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruitingJohn Cassillo2020-02-05T08:05:18-05:002020-02-05T08:05:18-05:00Early signing period: Chase Atkinson Signs with Syracuse
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Central Michigan at Syracuse" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mNHeY3Jz_00vkhYNVjSZ69c7tQg=/0x0:3731x2487/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66253649/usa_today_10283644.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The South Carolinian comes to ‘Cuse.</p> <p id="q5fDvE">While many of the <a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/">Syracuse Orange</a> recruits for the 2020 season signed back in December, during the early signing period, the remainder will be inking today on National Signing Day! Each of these athletes will be helping the Orange in their quest to return to the postseason this coming season. As each player signs, we’ll be posting profiles here on TNIAAM. Next up is safety Chase Atkinson.</p>
<p id="uLDsAE"><strong>Twitter feed:</strong><a href="https://twitter.com/coolcat066"><strong> </strong>@coolcat066</a></p>
<p id="i71W2f"><strong>Hometown: </strong>Blythewood, S.C.</p>
<p id="gew7H8"><strong>High School: </strong>Blythewood</p>
<p id="RuwZkq"><strong>Position: </strong>Safety/Cornerback</p>
<p id="6UjVbm"><strong>Commitment date</strong>: <a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/7/31/20748970/syracuse-football-recruiting-orange-land-2020-db-chase-atkinson-class-ranking">July 31, 2019</a></p>
<p id="02QLx8"><strong>Height: </strong>5’11”</p>
<p id="HAqJfk"><strong>Weight: </strong>180 lbs.</p>
<p id="F6F7rf"><strong>Ratings: </strong>Three stars from everyone.</p>
<p id="cqyV1H"><strong>Other offers:</strong> Syracuse offered Atkinson early, and his only other offer was Coastal Carolina. </p>
<p id="jOKjQp"><strong>Dino’s predicted nickname: </strong>The Cool Cat or Mr. Bean. The first one is self explanatory, the second is because Rowan Atkinson plays the titular Mr. Bean. </p>
<p id="srEeo9"><strong>Highlights: </strong></p>
<div id="D07qNK"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/8539043/5cc21ade6e82940c70fdff23" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="8h8vA6"><strong>Player outlook: </strong>Some people are going to look at Atkinson’s offer list and be underwhelmed, but as mentioned before and in our write up on <a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/7/31/20748970/syracuse-football-recruiting-orange-land-2020-db-chase-atkinson-class-ranking">his commitment,</a> Syracuse got in on Atkinson so early, he wasn’t even ranked and now he’s a 3 star recruit. The coaching staff clearly saw potential here, and I’m inclined to believe in them. I don’t know if Atkinson is playing much in year one, but beyond that, he should be a solid defensive back in the Orange rotation. </p>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2020/2/5/21024543/early-signing-period-2020-s-chase-atkinson-signs-with-syracuse-orange-football-recruitingAndrew Pregler2019-12-20T08:00:00-05:002019-12-20T08:00:00-05:00Where did Syracuse football’s 2020 recruits come from?
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Clemson at Syracuse" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QgKTlXbnBhmapN2Q4sOy9Zvn3Hg=/0x0:3929x2619/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65944867/usa_today_13370976.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Syracuse’s recruiting footprint continues to change over time in the ACC.</p> <p id="nGbDJh">Over the last couple decades, <a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/">Syracuse Orange</a> football recruiting has fluctuated quite a bit. GERG tried to take us nationwide, and that fell flat. Doug Marrone brought us back into New York in a big way, but we also potentially over-indexed on the state when there’s only so much P5-level talent in the state.</p>
<p id="pAiMd9">Under Scott Shafer, we saw the Orange mine Florida more, while also leaning on the Midwest quite a bit. Though Dino Babers initially utilized the Midwest given staff connections, we’ve seen a shift in recent years to be pretty focused on Florida, the DMV area, North Carolina and lately, Canada. </p>
<p id="hccImJ">Looking at Wednesday’s signees, below displays the state/province numbers in both numerical and map forms (Germany’s not included in the map, however).</p>
<ul>
<li id="Fpgoc5">3 signees: Florida</li>
<li id="eoodky">2 signees: Germany, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Quebec</li>
<li id="qi60cP">1 signee: Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3xaZmMFtH8fC0TDnQu0y5ghXWuU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19543658/Screen_Shot_2019_12_19_at_3.19.17_PM.png">
</figure>
<p id="gEwTFz">Comparatively, here’s a look at the overall roster of scholarship players (currently at 81 total):</p>
<ul>
<li id="kuqMSd">16 players: Florida</li>
<li id="xy5EHw">8 players: New York</li>
<li id="84NWDF">6 players: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Quebec</li>
<li id="yuVb3t">5 players: Maryland, North Carolina, Washington D.C.</li>
<li id="4aCKm8">4 players: Michigan</li>
<li id="Ka5Edl">3 players: Connecticut, Illinois</li>
<li id="8rTjF3">2 players: Georgia, Germany, Massachusetts, Wisconsin</li>
<li id="87P9Wp">1 player: Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Ontario, South Carolina, Texas</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Hb0MYCKHvvwb0kN6wtjojQI8GFU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19543676/Screen_Shot_2019_12_18_at_11.56.39_PM.png">
</figure>
<p id="aZKpbJ">Florida is still a big focus for Syracuse, and if anything, the numbers above don’t necessarily tell the full story. A lot of players from other areas — New York, Canada — wind up heading to Florida for the later part of their high school careers to get more exposure. So these are still very much recruiting wins due to Nick Monroe & Co.’s efforts in the Sunshine State. </p>
<p id="2jWIGY">The fact that Quebec’s risen to this extent in recent years is also impressive, and has now created a pretty solid pipeline to CNY. There isn’t a TON of P5-level talent in the area. But it seems the players that are good enough are seeing Syracuse as the top option now.</p>
<p id="YeQXhe">New York isn’t going away as a recruiting area, <a href="https://twitter.com/matthaus_CNY/status/1207387996552646656">but Dino did address</a> what seemed like a de-emphasis in this cycle. He wants NY kids, but also wants NY kids that actually deserve to suit up at this level. Sounds like an approach we can agree on (see recent examples like <span>Andre Cisco</span> and <span>Trill Williams</span>, most notably).</p>
<p id="UAOQhb">The other big chunk of the roster comes from the recent uptick in DMV and the Carolinas, which is directly attributable to SU’s growing time in the ACC (the Orange just wrapped up season No. 7). Being able to establish those connections while maintaining a presence in New Jersey and Pennsylvania is important — especially as Greg Schiano returns to Rutgers and could help the Scarlet Knights get back to better recruiting success in New Jersey. It’s also worth mentioning that while Mike Locksley was brought back to Maryland to help fortify recruiting for around the DMV, the Terps didn’t have a blue-chipper from the state (though SU didn’t either).</p>
<p id="TwPt4M">Anything surprising above? The international bend is something worth keeping an eye on, especially if Syracuse is an early mover there. Between German and Canadian players, 11% of the current Orange scholarship players aren’t from the U.S. That’s not a small amount. If many of those guys become key contributors for SU, they could change some thinking around whether the time and effort is worth it to look for talent outside of country.</p>
<p id="7q2tBA">What else sticks out to you about the geographic breakdown of Syracuse football’s roster? Share your own thoughts below.</p>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/20/21030743/where-did-syracuse-football-2020-recruits-come-from-orange-early-signing-class-mapJohn Cassillo2019-12-19T11:00:00-05:002019-12-19T11:00:00-05:00Early Signing Period: Recap of Dino Babers’s Press Conference
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Syracuse at Duke" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vmNX59nIV7Ldfbb5f_30DjDQl8U=/0x0:4813x3209/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65939187/usa_today_13676670.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Babers spoke to the media on Wednesday about the 2020 recruiting class.</p> <p id="PRt6cV">After a day of <a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21028470/orange-assemble-ranking-the-syracuse-football-early-signing-day-graphics-football-comics">comic book graphics flying</a> and a “secret” recruit, the <a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/">Syracuse Orange</a> football team added 19 new players to its ranks in one way or another. Once all the paperwork had come in, head coach Dino Babers spoke to the media and answered questions about this class and recruiting as a whole:</p>
<blockquote><p id="4KlpmK">“I feel like this is one of our better classes. It has a lot of length and what we were trying to do is get a lot taller and a lot bigger. I think it’s really imperative in this conference — and especially on the ACC Atlantic side — that you have the type of size that you need to withstand the pounding that’s going on.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="bhybFA">Every single non-transfer recruit Syracuse signed aside from safety Chase Atkinson, who was previously slated to wait until National Signing Day. That’s fine. But recruiting remains an area for the Orange to focus on improving. It’s usually the most notable difference when playing juggernaut opponents like Florida State and Clemson, so matching them in those areas serves to take that advantage away a couple years down the road.</p>
<p id="JPtf2V"><strong>On signing German recruits (tight end) Maximilian Mang and (offensive tackle) Mark Petry: </strong></p>
<blockquote><p id="De8mS8">“Based off of what’s been going on in the trend, that I’m sure (signing more international players) is going to be happening more and more not only at our university, but universities all across the country.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="6pW6HJ">I’m not sure coaches are going to start chartering planes to Europe to bring in the next big boy from Berlin tomorrow or even next year. That said, football is clearly spreading, particularly in Germany where we saw Bengals TE Moritz Böhringer become the first player drafted from Europe just three years ago. Who knows, maybe Syracuse will soon be #GermanysCollegeTeam.</p>
<p id="lYl2Fp"><strong>On not signing a QB: </strong></p>
<blockquote><p id="CdfRDj">“You want to make sure you get the right QB and we’re gonna go after the right ones... I think that’s a little bit more important than just having one in an early signing period. We definitely would like to have a QB in this class but it has to be the right type of QB and not just someone that plays that position”</p></blockquote>
<p id="ErrhGd">This is sound philosophy, but it still requires bringing in a signal caller. Syracuse has yet to sign a high school QB in the 2020 class and missed out on UNC transfer <span>Cade Fortin</span>, who announced Tuesday his choice to attend USF. Last year, Syracuse missed out on multiple targets and had to settle for bringing in <span>David Summers</span> (who they flipped late from Maryland). </p>
<p id="dCKiHy">The Orange would’ve been bound for a similar fate the year before had it not been for a last-minute flip from Chance Amie. Right now, Summers is the heir apparent to DeVito on the roster. We don’t know what he’ll bring, but ideally some competition would be ideal considering right now, the QB room for 2021 looks to be just him and Tommy.</p>
<p id="dvPSgH"><strong>On recruiting defense: </strong></p>
<blockquote><p id="HzXQ2R">“We based out a little bit to make sure that we can cover two different avenues, so to speak. The first part of the recruiting period we kind of handled one and we have enough wiggle room in the backend to take care of any changes if we need to do those.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="9wdyMq">Seems like Babers has planned out his recruits to be versatile enough to cover whatever scheme might be implemented under a new defensive coordinator and leaves wiggle room to recruit better fits once that DC is hired. Well played, Dino. </p>
<blockquote><p id="8llh7M">“There’s something that I’m not really at liberty to talk about. Yeah, coming to a theater near you.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="4SViEy">That was in regard to the “mystery” 19th player. It’s <a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/18/21028882/syracuse-football-florida-guard-chris-bleich-transferring-to-orange-gators-offensive-line">probably Florida offensive line transfer</a> Chris Bleich. But maybe not.</p>
<p id="mce1Oy">***</p>
<p id="KW1aeI">Got any of your own thoughts on the recruiting class? Let us know in the comments.</p>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2019/12/19/21029570/early-signing-period-recap-of-dino-baberss-press-conference-orange-football-recruiting-syracuseBrandon Ross