The Syracuse football squad picked up its’ second commit of the 2019 class. Our recruiting analyst breaks down the tale of the tape on this talented youngster.
Joe Rondi, a defensive lineman from New Jersey committed to the Syracuse football squad late Wednesday night. Rondi becomes the second commit of the Orange’s 2019 class, joining WR Courtney Jackson.
Rondi visited Syracuse back in April, and picked up an offer from Dino Babers and the Orange staff. According to Mike McAllister of Cusenation.com, the Orange staff was at a camp at nearby Monmouth University, where they only reaffirmed that connection.
At 6-foot 4 inches, and weighing 250-pounds, Rondi projects as a defensive tackle. He will need to put some weight on before coming to the ACC, but Rondi is part of a new trend in recruiting where underweight guys come into college and then put on a large amount of muscle. An example of that is Chris Slayton, who only came to Syracuse weighing around 260-pounds.
In addition to the Syracuse offer, Rondi had offers from in-state Rutgers, Cincinnati, and Temple. Most major recruiting sites do not have Rondi ranked, but that is certainly going to change, with his commitment to an ACC school. Which it did just a little bit later per Stephen Bailey of Syracuse.com:
The ranking update didn't take long. Rondi is a three star on the 247 composite, the No. 97 DT this cycle and No. 31 prospect from New Jersey. https://t.co/0fyWSTwtOq
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) June 14, 2018
Syracuse.com’s Stephen Bailey was able to talk to Wayne Hills High School, head coach Wayne Demikoff about Rondi:
Another nugget from Demikoff: Rondi rarely leaves the field for Wayne Hills. Moving from DE to DT this offseason, starts on OL and long snaps.
— Stephen Bailey (@Stephen_Bailey1) June 14, 2018
Said Rondi is 6-4, 265 -- heavier than listed online. Noted his improved use of hands allowed him to separate into a Power-5 recruit.
Let’s look at the tape:
The first play I want to take a look at occurs at the :43 second mark. Rondi is lined up at defensive end, indicating that he does have some solid quickness for a guy that big. Rondi gets a good, clean jump on the ball and then uses a bullrush to simply over power the opponent’s left tackle.
He pushed the tackle back into the pocket of the quarterback, getting the sack. Had Rondi not recorded the sack, it still would have been a great play that would have completely disrupted the quarterback. The Jersey boy appears to have a good motor to go along with his size.
Ronda’s next play that jumps out at me occurs at the 1:30 mark of the film. Once again, the Wayne Hills star is lined up on the outside. Once again, he uses a bull rush to drive his blocker into the backfield, but he is aware that a run is coming this time. Rather than pushing too far up the field, Rondi stays put and waits for the ball carrier to take the handoff on the end-around. Rondi does a nice job of making the tackle all while fighting off his block.
Next: Syracuse Football: Ranking every SU first round pick in NFL Draft history
Rondi’s best attribute’s appear to be his motor, willingness to take on multiple blockers, and hand fighting. The size will come for Rondi when he does get on the Syracuse campus, and the early commitment could potentially lead to him enrolling early.