Class of 2015 So, I'm watching our commits Senior Highlights...

[orange_in_VA]

And , Good God! So many of these kids are undervalued/overlooked! I already loved this class, but watching the highlights has me very excited! Here are some things I noticed (My opinion):

1. If we can hold onto Blair and Fredericks, I'm a lot less concerned about safety depth then I was before watching their tapes.

2. Love this O-line class. Big group of maulers coming in.

3. Brandon Ginnetti to me seems really overlooked, probably due to missing his senior year, but his Junior highlights are really nice. This kid has an explosive first step off the snap. Think he'll be better than anticipated.

4. Qaadir Sheppard is amazing! I have no idea how scout decided to drop his ranking. He looks like a 4 star at DE and TE in his senior highlights. Very impressive.

5. Look like 4 stars- Sheppard, Fredericks(Running Back), Strickland, Henderson Jr., Ealey(Reminds me of Chandler Jones at DE), Adams, Cullen, and Clausman.

6. Should be rated higher/at least 3 stars(Based on Scout rankings)- Dunkelberger, Ginnetti, Giudice

So, thats basically how I feel about things after watching all of the highlights. I used Scout as my reference to rankings. Videos I got from Scout, Hudl, etc.

Feel free to agree or disagree, and share your opinions!

I would highly recommend watching the highlights. Good way to get excited about the kids we have coming in!

 

[supp]

As a great philosopher once said, "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with"

 

[orange_in_VA]

As a great philosopher once said, "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with"

I just feel like this class is a lot better than some posters and the rankings give them credit for. I'm happy with who we got, especially when you put on the tape.

 

[Bambrewer]

I am curious about this. Is this a normal recruiting year? Is half the board always this negative? Are the kids coming in better as a whole than most years? Are they worse than most years? Is this class compared to others just missing one piece? Or is it missing a bunch? What would make most people feel better about this class as we come to a close? What was the biggest class in recent years and what made that special ( pre arrival mind you)

 

[supp]

I am curious about this. Is this a normal recruiting year? Is half the board always this negative? Are the kids coming in better as a whole than most years? Are they worse than most years? Is this class compared to others just missing one piece? Or is it missing a bunch? What would make most people feel better about this class as we come to a close? What was the biggest class in recent years and what made that special ( pre arrival mind you)

No, this is a good class, especially given the season record. There were some direct hits and a bunch of misses on the recruiting trail like most years. I'm simply commenting on every fan bases' propensity to overrate the hits and downgrade the misses. These kids chose Syracuse. Hard not to root for them to be successful. But the reality is that the coaching staff would have been quite happy to have those kids that didn't choose us coming in here. Regardless of the outcome, we all love the ones that are with us.

 

[JrodCuse]

I think this is a solid class overall. Some of the better trained eyes on here might have better input, but this seems to be a very good class. Our recruiting as a whole is trending upwards year by year. I'm sure being in the ACC helps that a bit, but what SU really needs is one of these QB commits to be successful.

Yes the board is always this negative haha, but to be fair since 2002, there truly hasn't been alot to be happy about with Syracuse football besides a few random years here and there.

I would love for cuse to hold onto the kids who are waffling and close strong with Pickard and maybe one unforseen commit that pops out of the woodwork. I would also love for nothing more than our offense to come even close to matching what our defense does. If we had a top 50 offense to go with our top 30ish defense we would be in a very good place overall.

 

[orange_in_VA]

I am curious about this. Is this a normal recruiting year? Is half the board always this negative? Are the kids coming in better as a whole than most years? Are they worse than most years? Is this class compared to others just missing one piece? Or is it missing a bunch? What would make most people feel better about this class as we come to a close? What was the biggest class in recent years and what made that special ( pre arrival mind you)

This year we experienced the most early commits I think we've ever gotten.

I think after the rankings came out on these guys and people saw a lack of big-time offers(In some cases, due to committing so early), they just assumed this was a mediocre class. Especially compared to last year, when we got most of our class towards the end when they held a bunch of offers.

The board, and the fanbase in general has always been a mixed bag of optimists and pessimists, even more so in regards to recruiting.

This class and last years class are a major improvement over what we've seen in the last decade or so.

The most important piece I think we need is Steven Clark. Depth is an issue at DT, and he looks/projects as a impact player at the position. A lot of folks have been wanting a WR in this class, but after last years haul (Counting Enoicy and Custis in the new system) I'm not too worried about it.

Honestly I really want Clark and Pickard for numerous reasons, but this class is very strong either way in my opinion.

The reason I started this thread was mainly because of how impressed I was with these guys tapes, but also to try to give the pessimists a chance to really take a look at this class.

So for anyone on the edge regarding how you feel about this class, I urge you to take a look. I think you'll like what you see.

Let's Go Orange!

 

[Bambrewer]

So let's say we keep all the commits including Clark pick up pickard Howard and grimes comes back... What would the board call this year ?

 

[orange_in_VA]

So let's say we keep all the commits including Clark pick up pickard Howard and grimes comes back... What would the board call this year ?

A Grand Slam! If anyone said otherwise, they're out of their minds.

Right now it's a Homerun. I think we are building something special and sustainable with the last couple classes.

 

[Janner]

So let's say we keep all the commits including Clark pick up pickard Howard and grimes comes back... What would the board call this year ?

IMO, given the record and the year we just had, a definite success in my book. And not only because of the 2015 recruits, but also because of the head start it's been reported we have on 2016.

 

[illi3]

I am curious about this. Is this a normal recruiting year? Is half the board always this negative? Are the kids coming in better as a whole than most years? Are they worse than most years? Is this class compared to others just missing one piece? Or is it missing a bunch? What would make most people feel better about this class as we come to a close? What was the biggest class in recent years and what made that special ( pre arrival mind you)

Pessimism is a requirement to be a Syracuse football fan, Bam. Believe me, we don't want to be this way. We've just seen and felt the good times that seem so damn long ago, and have watched everything seemingly crumble in the last decade or so. Every time we think the program is about to take that next big step forward, something happens and we take 2 back.

 

[illi3]

All that being said, I'll surely have myself convinced that this'll be an 8 or 9 win team come August

 

[ImperialOrange]

So let's say we keep all the commits including Clark pick up pickard Howard and grimes comes back... What would the board call this year ?

A massive success, if everyone qualifies, that some folks will whine about until 2 years from now when we are competing for the ACC title. Of course I feel like 3-9 is an anomaly that will be viewed as a speed bump in the building process down the road. Suffice to say it didn't feel the same as watching some bad teams in the mid 00s.

Our defense is good and getting better with this class. A lot will come down to the O-line being able to open holes for the incoming RB's to work. Never having played O-line, i'm not really sure how to gauge this class, but to my untrained eye they look the part.

 

[TheCusian]

So let's say we keep all the commits including Clark pick up pickard Howard and grimes comes back... What would the board call this year ?

It's been way better since Shafer and company took over and we joined the ACC. Best two classes in the last 10-15 years. I love this class.

Recruiting weird though - there's no way to judge potential, so it always feels like we can do better. And for some (you know who they are probably - it will never be good enough).

 

[JrodCuse]

I think our on-the-field success in 2015 is paramount to getting this program back on track. If we go bowling this year, the season is a success. With some of the kids we're in on early for 2016, that would just continue what this staff is building upon. The key to fielding a top 25 team is to have 3-4 good recruiting classes in a row. Right now, technically, this is our 2nd good recruiting class in a row. If we can haul in some of these big time names we're going after in 2016/2017, then that is when things could really come together and we can see a resurgence of SU football back to where things were in the 90's.

 

[RMH44]

So let's say we keep all the commits including Clark pick up pickard Howard and grimes comes back... What would the board call this year ?

In that scenario, I think even the true naysayers would begrudgingly credit the staff for it's efforts.

But you never know...they do, after all, know much more than the rest of us. ;-)

 

[alphaorange]

I've always felt the board was half full of whiney pessimists. They're so afraid of losing, they can't bear to be optimistic. They will, however, be the first to jump on the bandwagon...

 

[timkay99]

And , Good God! So many of these kids are undervalued/overlooked! I already loved this class, but watching the highlights has me very excited! Here are some things I noticed (My opinion):

1. If we can hold onto Blair and Fredericks, I'm a lot less concerned about safety depth then I was before watching their tapes.

2. Love this O-line class. Big group of maulers coming in.

3. Brandon Ginnetti to me seems really overlooked, probably due to missing his senior year, but his Junior highlights are really nice. This kid has an explosive first step off the snap. Think he'll be better than anticipated.

4. Qaadir Sheppard is amazing! I have no idea how scout decided to drop his ranking. He looks like a 4 star at DE and TE in his senior highlights. Very impressive.

5. Look like 4 stars- Sheppard, Fredericks(Running Back), Strickland, Henderson Jr., Ealey(Reminds me of Chandler Jones at DE), Adams, Cullen, and Clausman.

6. Should be rated higher/at least 3 stars(Based on Scout rankings)- Dunkelberger, Ginnetti, Giudice

So, thats basically how I feel about things after watching all of the highlights. I used Scout as my reference to rankings. Videos I got from Scout, Hudl, etc.

Feel free to agree or disagree, and share your opinions!

I would highly recommend watching the highlights. Good way to get excited about the kids we have coming in!

Overall, the class is better then it is said to be my many (including myself during the season itself), but it lacks the star power of last year. It's a depth class with the chance to be a very strong class if Pickard or Howard flips. There was a ton of positives after the season (which is a credit to the staff), but the finish has caused some worries with potential flips (and all that goes away if Pickard commits, Clark reaffirms, etc.).

What this class really needs, is present DB help. I don't know that there are many recruits this year who are ready to play right away. If Blair qualifies, that will be huge.

There is a ton of talent coming in at LB (again) and this has a chance to be the strongest DL haul in awhile. OL haul is an above average haul, but full of risk. Dunkel was a big get that Syracuse doesn't normally get.

I think you are high on Ginnetti, Clausman and Fredericks and a tad high on Ealey while underselling Conway.

I think Dunkel, Blair, Hofrichter, Keller and Strickland will contribute as 1st year players and Sheppard will get a chance as a pass rushing specialist as a true frosh. I think both LB's (Henderson and Cullen) are ready to play right away and may get some time on specials, but really hope they redshirt to get some separation from last years exceptional haul.

One big thing to remember, if Syracuse pulled these types of classes while in the Big East, it would be a talent level to have 2 or fewer losses in conference. ACC is a different animal, especially when you get Florida State and Clemson every year.

I personally think Cuse is one more banner recruiting year away from being in a position to start to do some really exciting things within the ACC. Just needs this class and last year's class to get older and stronger.

 

[baggerbob]

Having gone after offensive linemen in mass, makes the class seem less appealing to some, but the road graders are the key to long term success.

 

[orange_in_VA]

Overall, the class is better then it is said to be my many (including myself during the season itself), but it lacks the star power of last year. It's a depth class with the chance to be a very strong class if Pickard or Howard flips. There was a ton of positives after the season (which is a credit to the staff), but the finish has caused some worries with potential flips (and all that goes away if Pickard commits, Clark reaffirms, etc.).

What this class really needs, is present DB help. I don't know that there are many recruits this year who are ready to play right away. If Blair qualifies, that will be huge.

There is a ton of talent coming in at LB (again) and this has a chance to be the strongest DL haul in awhile. OL haul is an above average haul, but full of risk. Dunkel was a big get that Syracuse doesn't normally get.

I think you are high on Ginnetti, Clausman and Fredericks and a tad high on Ealey while underselling Conway.

I think Dunkel, Blair, Hofrichter, Keller and Strickland will contribute as 1st year players and Sheppard will get a chance as a pass rushing specialist as a true frosh. I think both LB's (Henderson and Cullen) are ready to play right away and may get some time on specials, but really hope they redshirt to get some separation from last years exceptional haul.

One big thing to remember, if Syracuse pulled these types of classes while in the Big East, it would be a talent level to have 2 or fewer losses in conference. ACC is a different animal, especially when you get Florida State and Clemson every year.

I personally think Cuse is one more banner recruiting year away from being in a position to start to do some really exciting things within the ACC. Just needs this class and last year's class to get older and stronger.

I was very close to putting Conway into my "look like four stars" list.
The only reason I went with Clausman out of the O-line group is because I believe him to be the most sound (Technique/Assignment) of the group, regardless of athletic gifts (Conway and Adams are the most physically imposing).

Clausman was also my hidden gem pick of the group.

Fredericks and Ealey are both already borderline 4 stars, so not a huge stretch.

Ginnetti just looks better than a 2 star (Which is why I said he should be a 3).

Did you watch the highlights? I'm only asking because I'm curious what you're basing your opinions on.
Also, do you have any experience in coaching, playing, scouting, recruiting? Honest question (I'm curious), not an attack on your credibility.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[cuse45]

I've been following recruitiing for about eight or nine years and I would feel comfortable putting this class in the top two or three overall. As vital as they are, I don't think people get as excited for lineman. I think in most cases they're usually two years away from contributing anything meangiful. In an ideal world we'd be redshirting all of the OL/DL and I'm assuming the majority of them will.

If we can keep Clark and get Pickard, I'd feel really great about this class. I don't have any inside information but I'm optimistic we can get them both!

As for a guy that is being overlooked in this class, I really like Dungey's upside. I think he has a chance to be a two-three year starter for us.

 

[money3189]

This is a very good overall class. Pickard and Clark would be icing on the cake. Even without them its the best back 2 back classes Ive seen in awhile from SU. We got a little bit of everything except the WR position. I think we did well with both lines. Oline and Dline are the stars of this class. Now its how they develop in a couple years that will determine their true value. I dont think we talk enough about Chris Fredrick. Really like his film. Looks like a true free safety. Played in a great football state with great competition. As much as I like Blair, I think Fredrick is a steal.

 

[domedog]

This is a very good overall class. Pickard and Clark would be icing on the cake. Even without them its the best back 2 back classes Ive seen in awhile from SU. We got a little bit of everything except the WR position. I think we did well with both lines. Oline and Dline are the stars of this class. Now its how they develop in a couple years that will determine how important their true value. I dont think we talk enough about Chris Fredrick. Really like his film. Looks like a true free safety. Played in a great football state with great competition. As much as I like Blair, I think Fredrick is a steal.

I am not sure if I watched all the recruiting tapes, but the 2 that stood out for me were Clark(!) and Frederick.

 

[timkay99]

I was very close to putting Conway into my "look like four stars" list.
The only reason I went with Clausman out of the O-line group is because I believe him to be the most sound (Technique/Assignment) of the group, regardless of athletic gifts (Conway and Adams are the most physically imposing).

Clausman was also my hidden gem pick of the group.

Fredericks and Ealey are both already borderline 4 stars, so not a huge stretch.

Ginnetti just looks better than a 2 star (Which is why I said he should be a 3).

Did you watch the highlights? I'm only asking because I'm curious what you're basing your opinions on.
Also, do you have any experience in coaching, playing, scouting, recruiting? Honest question (I'm curious), not an attack on your credibility.

Thanks for sharing!

I will occasionally watch highlights, but I don't put a lot of stock into them b/c if the kid is a true Power 5 level player, his highlights should be impressive. I base it on a variety of things, based on what I hear (which is not insider information), other schools offering and their success level with that type of player and what I know about how a certain player tends to fit in a certain scheme.

My experience is in scouting, but for baseball as opposed to football. Been through MLB Scout School and currently in a position where I utilize and create evaluations heavily based on video (not by choice, but more cost effective then traveling across the country). Won't even look at a highlight video for baseball recruits (those are typically BP video and side angle pitching, tells me absolutely friggin nothing).

My concern with Clausman and Byrne is that they go to a high school that every power 5 school visits and is in on. For me, that is a red flag that we were there only high D-1 offers. It is OL, which drive to improve, mental mindset and technique is the most important thing, but there is risk there.

In the end, it is all conjecture. The # 1 thing for every recruit is how they react when faced with adversity and their overall mental toughness. In truth, the coaches aren't even positive how these kids will react (and this isn't me talking, this is a coworker of mine who was a national champion as a pitching coach at the D-1 level at a power 5 school) until they set foot on campus and experience it.

This tends to be why the JUCO/prep school guys the staff evaluates as talented enough are actually able to contribute right away b/c they dealt with adversity and had to fight through it or they wouldn't have been at JUCO or prep school.

 

[money3189]

I will occasionally watch highlights, but I don't put a lot of stock into them b/c if the kid is a true Power 5 level player, his highlights should be impressive. I base it on a variety of things, based on what I hear (which is not insider information), other schools offering and their success level with that type of player and what I know about how a certain player tends to fit in a certain scheme.

My experience is in scouting, but for baseball as opposed to football. Been through MLB Scout School and currently in a position where I utilize and create evaluations heavily based on video (not by choice, but more cost effective then traveling across the country). Won't even look at a highlight video for baseball recruits (those are typically BP video and side angle pitching, tells me absolutely friggin nothing).

My concern with Clausman and Byrne is that they go to a high school that every power 5 school visits and is in on. For me, that is a red flag that we were there only high D-1 offers. It is OL, which drive to improve, mental mindset and technique is the most important thing, but there is risk there.

In the end, it is all conjecture. The # 1 thing for every recruit is how they react when faced with adversity and their overall mental toughness. In truth, the coaches aren't even positive how these kids will react (and this isn't me talking, this is a coworker of mine who was a national champion as a pitching coach at the D-1 level at a power 5 school) until they set foot on campus and experience it.

This tends to be why the JUCO/prep school guys the staff evaluates as talented enough are actually able to contribute right away b/c they dealt with adversity and had to fight through it or they wouldn't have been at JUCO or prep school.

First thing I thought of with Clausman and Byrne was their lack of offers coming from a power house. I was a little worried about that but I watched their film over and over and I saw things that I dont see in any NYS lineman this year or in most years.