Syracuse football continues to recruit defensive ends, eyeing another in 2021
Syracuse football has been known mostly for offensive production since Head Coach Dino Babers arrived in town. Recent recruiting trends point at defense.
Almost as soon as Class of 2021 three-star defensive end, Robert Jackson put Syracuse football in his top ten, the Orange hit the market again. This time, it was another three-star rated DE in Cole Nelson.
Nelson, who is given the three stars by Rivals, is a strongside DE from Johns Creek, Georgia. According to his Rivals profile, he’s also been offered by schools such as Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, and Boston College, among others. The Syracuse offer fits right in with those competitors – an east coast school with a good football program – but with a better chance of playing sooner rather than later.
Nelson announced the offer from Syracuse via his Twitter page, saying that Syracuse football assistant coach Vince Reynolds is his primary recruiter.
After a good talk with @CoachReynolds81 I am blessed and honored to say I have EARNED an offer from THE Syracuse University @RecruitGeorgia @ChadSimmons_ @CuseCoachTW @JohnsCreekHSFB @FBCoach_JH @mwhsports3838 pic.twitter.com/pE643TDBKu
— Cole Nelson (@Col3DN_03) June 22, 2020
The defensive line as a whole has been a hot commodity for the Orange as of late. NFL prospects such as Zaire Franklin and Alton Robinson have worn the Syracuse jersey, while All-Pro DE Chandler Jones continues to rep his alma mater, proudly completing his graduation requirements in May.
The Nelson offer speaks volumes about what Syracuse is looking for in their defense. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, he is a big body with the potential to add even more muscle and really fit in on the SU D-line. However, more than this, he is an example of the type of prospects Syracuse recruits. The Orange don’t settle for anything, making sure they bring in talented players filled with potential.
This type of recruiting may not win over the fans wanting top ten ranked classes. However, it does provide a winning culture, as players don’t earn starting spots by just stepping foot on campus, yet they are talented players.
With the SU offense proven to be one of the best in the nation, it’s awesome to watch the program also focus on the other side of the ball.
Syracuse football is on the rise in recruiting, and it can only go up from here.