Syracuse Football is a real contender for George Rooks
By Ryan Lee
Syracuse Football has seen early recruiting success. One of their biggest success might not be a commitment but chances of one in top prospect George Rooks.
Syracuse football’s 2021 recruiting class has gained momentum over the recent weeks with eight commits already. Dino Babers and his staff have been busy but are far from done. Solid depth has come with their current commits but a commitment from someone like four-star prospect George Rooks will certainly help give this class additional firepower.
Rooks, a defensive lineman from St. Peter’s Prep in New Jersey, has received the attention of many schools. According to 247sports.com, Rooks has 20 offers, all from Big Ten, ACC, and SEC programs plus Notre Dame.
Per 247sports, these other offers come from a bunch of dominant teams, including Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, Auburn, Michigan, Penn State, Tennessee, Nebraska and West Virginia.
Among the additional scholarship offers from ACC schools are Pittsburgh, Boston College, Miami, Duke, Louisville and Georgia Tech, according to 247sports.
Notre Dame is who 247sports predicted as Rooks’ landing spot. However, according to Adam Friedman (@RivalsFriedman), a Recruiting Analyst for Rivals.com, the leader in the pack might just be Syracuse.
Friedman ranked Rooks’ contenders and Syracuse came in at number one. Friedman explains the reason for Syracuse is because of his family ties to the university after his father played for the Orange from 1988 to 1991. Rooks’ father of the same name was Co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 1991.
Rooks has the ability to play inside in a 4-3 defense but figures to be able to play end in Tony White’s 3-3-5 defensive scheme. The defensive side of the ball has been a priority for Orange so far. 247sports.com has the Orange’s top two commits also playing along the defensive line.
Defensive Tackle Terry Lockett is the highest-ranked recruit and the first of the current class after committing back in March. Hayden Nelson joined on May 5th, Syracuse’s second-rated recruit, a weak-side defensive end.