Syracuse Football: Why I’m excited about SU’s early National Signing Day

I’m a Syracuse football homer who often sees my sports in the most positive way possible. Sure I get frustrated at times and don’t always like every decision but I try to keep perspective and see the big picture through Orange-colored glasses too.

I preface this that way because as the title states, I saw the players that Syracuse signed to commit to the Orange, and I’m excited. I say this knowing there will be criticism from some based on the lack of star talent (by this I mean not highly ranked in the star ranking system, which ask Chandler Jones, it doesn’t always mean you can’t still be a star).

However I follow people like Mike McAllister who does a great job covering Syracuse football recruiting and from what I’ve read, I’m optimistic that these players can come in and possibly be contributing to this team soon if not right away.

Looking for reasons to be optimistic too? How about running back LeQuint Allen, NJ’s Gatorade Player of the Year? You can read more about him here, but how can you not be excited about a RB coming to the Hill who was one of the best players in New Jersey to join a backfield with an All-American in Sean Tucker?

I’m optimistic that the Syracuse football 2022 class will be a good one.

Or how about Orange DB Duce Chesnut playing recruiter and convincing close friend and DE recruit Denis Jaquez Jr. to flip from Northwestern to be closer to home and play at Syracuse?

With the defensive line losing so many, this opens up possibilities to come in and start immediately if you can prove you deserve the opportunity. Along with signee DE Belizaire Bassette from Florida, these two will add depth and possibly see the playing field sooner rather than later.

Remember the names Dom Foster, Donovan Brown and Louisville transfer safety Bralyn Oliver. Dom is being recruited as a possible addition to the secondary but is also experienced at WR so maybe he can contribute there or even possibly special teams if needed. Donovan is a fast receiver option who may come in lacking that “star” talent but could be a star at Syracuse utilizing that speed to be a legit deep threat and make big plays.

And Bralyn is transferring from Louisville after not seeing a lot of playing time there, but he was highly touted out of high school and could definitely play quality minutes at the safety position for the Orange.

Look, I’ve seen where some of these people are rating this recruiting class and I fully expect people to say this reflects poorly on the program. But the truth is, until these players are on the field, none of us know for sure. But I’m telling you that from what I’ve seen about the players mentioned and more, those ratings are just opinions just like mine and I have faith that these are players who will contribute to this program, as well as others not mentioned.

As I discussed previously, Chandler Jones was I believe a 2 star out of HS they found while recruiting his big brother Arthur and he seems to be doing quite well in the NFL after a successful run in Orange. How about Sean Tucker, who was a 3 star that many had little expectations for and yet at times he led the nation in rushing and became an All-American?

So I get wanting the best players helps your team but so does recruiting the best player for your program who wants to be there, and I don’t think the only players with potential only come with 4 or 5 star ratings. And don’t forget there is time left to work the transfer portal, and this is the early signing day so there’s still time as well.

I’m excited and ready for the 2022 Syracuse football season.

Let’s Go Orange!