Dino Size&Speed

[BillSU]

IMO, the HC has been doing an excellent job of identifying potential recruits and getting them to commit to SU. Of course he has had help in that he’s got HS players who were talking to him about committing to BG but I think we are seeing what kind of relationship he keeps with potential commits. Very, very admirable. However, the main point here is the development of physical size per position and team speed. If you look at the individual 40 time of each verbal commit if available it‘s obvious. Taken alphabetically and position wise you see a pattern many 4.+ and low 5.+ Devin Butler 4.44 nice! Never saw verbal’s like this. Keep your eyes open today for someone new. Can’t talk about him – yet - but he would be another great addition. Opinions?


Andrew Armstrong Cardinal Mooney HS Youngstown OH OLB 6-2 210 / ?


Joshua Black Harlem HS Machesney Park IL DE 6-3 240 / 4.77


Scoop Bradshaw Jr Plant HS Tampa FL SS 5-11 175 / ?


Devin Butler Frederick Douglass HS Upper Marlboro MD S 6-3 195 / 4.44 ***


Michael Clark Downingtown East HS Exton PA OT 6-7 280 / 5.25 ***


Devin Clarke Osceola HS Osceola FL S 6-3 190 / 4.71 ***


Kendall Coleman Cathedral HS Indianapolis IN DE 6-3 233 / 5.03 ***


Rex Culpepper Plant HS Tampa FL QB 6-3 215 ***


Evan Foster West Bloomfield HS Bloomfield MI WR 6-2 197 / 4.50 ***


Sam Heckel West HS Waukesha WI OT 6-5 265 / 5.09 ***


Jamal Holloway Camden HS Camden NJ DE 6-3 220 / 4.98 ***


Carl Jones St Edwards HS Lakewood OH CB 6-2 175 / 4.50 **


Moe Neal Forestview HS Gastonia NC RB 5-11 170 / 4.50 ***


Jaquwan Nelson Ft Lauderdale HS Ft Lauderdale FL DE 6-4 230 / ? ***


Liam O’Sullivan Maine South HS Park Ridge IL OL 6-7 240 / 4.80 ***


Sean Riley Narbonne HS Harbor City CA RB 5-9 165 / 4.48 ***


Kenneth Ruff Dillard HS Ft Lauderdale FL ILB 6-1 240 / 4.90 ***


Airon Servais Ashwaubenon HS Green Bay WI OT 6-6 270 / ? ***


Jo El Shaw Woodland Hills HS Pittsburgh PA RB 6-1.5 215 / 4.88 ***


Rashad Smith Homestead Senior HS Homestead FL S 6-1 190 / ? **


McKinley Williams Dillard HS Ft Lauderdale FL DT 6-5 255 / 4.90 NR

 

[retro44]

I think these sites are starting to report the correct 40 times or pretty damn near them. Just a few years ago seemed like most 250-260 lbs. guys were all running 4.5 40's and WR'S running sub 4.4 everywhere.

 

[OrangePA]

I am very excited about the progress Coach Babers and his staff have made in such a short period of time.

What I like: (1) these guys seem to be very intense recruiters; (2) they seem unafraid to go after whom they feel will help the program - I do not recall as many flips in our favor as we have seen over the past few days; (3) the staff seems genuinely excited to be selling Syracuse University; (4) the coaches seem to know exactly what they want and what the Program needs; (5) the staff undertook a sober assessment of what Coach Shafer was bringing in this year and made difficult but necessary decisions to move on from most of the committed recruits; and (6) there appear to be a number of active/talented recruiters on this staff.

I have no doubt that the Ensley Center and the other improvements made to the football infrastructure - as well as the ACC's higher football profile - have positively impacted our ability to attract athletes.

But, there can be no doubt that the intensity of our recruiting efforts has been raised to a new level by this staff.

 

[SoBristol]

If you break it down, some of the faster guys were Shafer's recruits (Scoop Bradshaw, Moe Neal, Chapman with decent speed for a QB). Some of his recruits who de-committed had good 40 times as well. Riley & Butler are the two exceptions; the other skill players (and DBs) are basically comparable to Shafer's guys in terms of speed.

The significant difference, though, is that Babers' OL additions are leaner & have better mobility than the OL Shafer recruited -- those in his 2015 class, and the 2 de-commits from his efforts this cycle.

On defense, the significant difference is that Babers' recruits are taller (in the secondary) and tougher (LBs & DEs).

Another possible difference -- Shafer took chances on a number of kids who did not make it (academically).

 

[OrangeJohn]

The level of talent in the ACC is high (not to mention lots of good coaches). According to Rivals we have 20 3-star recruits yet they rank our recruiting class #12 out of 14 teams in the ACC. Brutal competition.

 

[omniorange]

The level of talent in the ACC is high (not to mention lots of good coaches). According to Rivals we have 20 3-star recruits yet they rank our recruiting class #12 out of 14 teams in the ACC. Brutal competition.

I think we moved up to #10 on their ACC rankings ahead of UVA, WF, GT, and BC. Looks like that is about as high as we will get for this year.

Cheers,
Neil

 

[TheCusian]

I think we moved up to #10 on their ACC rankings ahead of UVA, WF, GT, and BC. Looks like that is about as high as we will get for this year. Cheers, Neil

Not if we grab the Florida OL with a FSU offer...

 

[BillSU]

Not if we grab the Florida OL with a FSU offer...

Yes. And, you tend to play and rise to the level of better competition which bodes well for is new staff and SU.

 

[BillSU]

If you break it down, some of the faster guys were Shafer's recruits (Scoop Bradshaw, Moe Neal, Chapman with decent speed for a QB). Some of his recruits who de-committed had good 40 times as well. Riley & Butler are the two exceptions; the other skill players (and DBs) are basically comparable to Shafer's guys in terms of speed.

The significant difference, though, is that Babers' OL additions are leaner & have better mobility than the OL Shafer recruited -- those in his 2015 class, and the 2 de-commits from his efforts this cycle.

On defense, the significant difference is that Babers' recruits are taller (in the secondary) and tougher (LBs & DEs).

Another possible difference -- Shafer took chances on a number of kids who did not make it (academically).

If you break it down, some of the faster guys were Shafer's recruits (Scoop Bradshaw, Moe Neal, Chapman with decent speed for a QB). Some of his recruits who de-committed had good 40 times as well. Riley & Butler are the two exceptions; the other skill players (and DBs) are basically comparable to Shafer's guys in terms of speed.

The significant difference, though, is that Babers' OL additions are leaner & have better mobility than the OL Shafer recruited -- those in his 2015 class, and the 2 de-commits from his efforts this cycle.

On defense, the significant difference is that Babers' recruits are taller (in the secondary) and tougher (LBs & DEs).

Another possible difference -- Shafer took chances on a number of kids who did not make it (academically).

Devin Butler is our fastest commit if you take it literally he's 4.44 / 6'3 195, Neal is 4.50 at 5'11 170.

 

[Fly Rodder]

I am very excited about the progress Coach Babers and his staff have made in such a short period of time.

What I like: (1) these guys seem to be very intense recruiters; (2) they seem unafraid to go after whom they feel will help the program ...

It also seems like they're unafraid to go after recruits in any part of the country and aren't limited to just northeast kids. It'll be interesting to see what a winning season, a top-20 offense, and more than a month lead time will do for recruiting.

 

[jmcclure33]

Devin Butler is our fastest commit if you take it literally he's 4.44 / 6'3 195, Neal is 4.50 at 5'11 170.

I thought Neal was laser timed at like 4.39 at some point fairly recently?

 

[The Viking]

It also seems like they're unafraid to go after recruits in any part of the country and aren't limited to just northeast kids. It'll be interesting to see what a winning season, a top-20 offense, and more than a month lead time will do for recruiting.

I can see Dino & his coaches sitting around the office last year saying, "We're so close on some of these kids. Think of who we could get if we were at a P5 program!"

 

[elimunelson]

Syracuse is the perfect test tube for a guy like Dino Babers. We have been stuck in neutral, but for a few games, essentially since 2001. This will be an innovative time for this program.

 

[SU68]

Syracuse is the perfect test tube for a guy like Dino Babers. We have been stuck in neutral, but for a few games, essentially since 2001. This will be an innovative time for this program.

Stuck in neutral? You're being very kind!

 

[SoBristol]

It also seems like they're unafraid to go after recruits in any part of the country and aren't limited to just northeast kids. It'll be interesting to see what a winning season, a top-20 offense, and more than a month lead time will do for recruiting.

In terms of geography, how much different is Babers' reach compared to Shafer's? Apart from one CA kid (coach there played for Babers), it seems heavy in the mid-west and Florida; Shafer also hit the Midwest, plus NJ, FL, GA, LA.

Babers used his winning record at BGSU as a selling point this time around, and the "believe without evidence" theme that winning will continue at SU. He can do the same thing for the 2017 cycle, with half the class expected to be committed by the end of July. Then -- need to win games in the ACC. I think he will, but many (for example, all the PS writers) are skeptics.

 

[SUFaninNJ]

In terms of geography, how much different is Babers' reach compared to Shafer's? Apart from one CA kid (coach there played for Babers), it seems heavy in the mid-west and Florida; Shafer also hit the Midwest, plus NJ, FL, GA, LA.

Babers used his winning record at BGSU as a selling point this time around, and the "believe without evidence" theme that winning will continue at SU. He can do the same thing for the 2017 cycle, with half the class expected to be committed by the end of July. Then -- need to win games in the ACC. I think he will, but many (for example, all the PS writers) are skeptics.

Do you feel the PS writers are skeptics based on the records they predicted for next year, or their usual slant towards SU football? I don't blame anyone for being skeptical based on the recent history of the program. I am usually overly optimistic, but at this very early juncture (and not really doing much if any research) don't see SU as a bowl team in the upcoming season.

 

[TheCusian]

Do you feel the PS writers are skeptics based on the records they predicted for next year, or their usual slant towards SU football? I don't blame anyone for being skeptical based on the recent history of the program. I am usually overly optimistic, but at this very early juncture (and not really doing much if any research) don't see SU as a bowl team in the upcoming season.

It's a safer bet to be skeptical and assume we'll be bad until we show otherwise.

 

[SoBristol]

Do you feel the PS writers are skeptics based on the records they predicted for next year, or their usual slant towards SU football? I don't blame anyone for being skeptical based on the recent history of the program. I am usually overly optimistic, but at this very early juncture (and not really doing much if any research) don't see SU as a bowl team in the upcoming season.

Yes -- I feel that the past two seasons (after progress in 2012 and 2013) has made the writers skeptical of any improvement, as shown by their predictions of 4 and 8.
I understand it. We have a big question at QB with no depth at the position, and Dungey being injury prone or unlucky so far. You can look around the ACC and even the teams we beat last season (Wake & BC) expect to be improved and many others simply have more talent.
Bottom line, I believe Babers gives us a fresh start, there are some weapons on offense (all skill players are returning), and the defense won't be as young and inexperienced as last year. If Dungey stays healthy, we surprise a few teams, be competitive, and make a bowl.

 

[TheCusian]

Yes -- I feel that the past two seasons (after progress in 2012 and 2013) has made the writers skeptical of any improvement, as shown by their predictions of 4 and 8. I understand it. We have a big question at QB with no depth at the position, and Dungey being injury prone or unlucky so far. You can look around the ACC and even the teams we beat last season (Wake & BC) expect to be improved and many others simply have more talent. Bottom line, I believe Babers gives us a fresh start, there are some weapons on offense (all skill players are returning), and the defense won't be as young and inexperienced as last year. If Dungey stays healthy, we surprise a few teams, be competitive, and make a bowl.

Ah - the everyone gets better but Syracuse mindset. ESPN and Syr.com have that one mastered

 

[SoBristol]

Do you feel the PS writers are skeptics based on the records they predicted for next year, or their usual slant towards SU football? I don't blame anyone for being skeptical based on the recent history of the program. I am usually overly optimistic, but at this very early juncture (and not really doing much if any research) don't see SU as a bowl team in the upcoming season.

Yes -- I feel that the past two seasons (after progress in 2012 and 2013) has made the writers skeptical of any improvement, as shown by their predictions of 4 and 8.
I understand it. We have a big question at QB with no depth at the position, and Dungey being injury prone or unlucky so far. You can look around the ACC and even the teams we beat last season (Wake & BC) expect to be improved and many others simply have more talent.
Bottom line, I believe Babers gives us a fresh start, there are some weapons on offense (all skill players are returning), and the defense won't be as young and inexperienced as last year. If Dungey stays healthy, we surprise a few teams, be competitive, and make a bowl.

 

[MSOrange]

Yes -- I feel that the past two seasons (after progress in 2012 and 2013) has made the writers skeptical of any improvement, as shown by their predictions of 4 and 8. I understand it. We have a big question at QB with no depth at the position, and Dungey being injury prone or unlucky so far. You can look around the ACC and even the teams we beat last season (Wake & BC) expect to be improved and many others simply have more talent. Bottom line, I believe Babers gives us a fresh start, there are some weapons on offense (all skill players are returning), and the defense won't be as young and inexperienced as last year. If Dungey stays healthy, we surprise a few teams, be competitive, and make a bowl.

You can say that again

 

[supp]

I am very excited about the progress Coach Babers and his staff have made in such a short period of time.

What I like: (1) these guys seem to be very intense recruiters; (2) they seem unafraid to go after whom they feel will help the program - I do not recall as many flips in our favor as we have seen over the past few days; (3) the staff seems genuinely excited to be selling Syracuse University; (4) the coaches seem to know exactly what they want and what the Program needs; (5) the staff undertook a sober assessment of what Coach Shafer was bringing in this year and made difficult but necessary decisions to move on from most of the committed recruits; and (6) there appear to be a number of active/talented recruiters on this staff.

I have no doubt that the Ensley Center and the other improvements made to the football infrastructure - as well as the ACC's higher football profile - have positively impacted our ability to attract athletes.

But, there can be no doubt that the intensity of our recruiting efforts has been raised to a new level by this staff.

Meh...so far they've been largely picking on the spotty little weaklings in the playground. The WMU/BGSU flips are mostly uncontested by other Power 5 teams and I can't imagine a worse coaching situation than the one they have in Illinois. If they grab Reese and hold on to Nelson, that will better speak to your observations.

 

[OrangePA]

Meh...so far they've been largely picking on the spotty little weaklings in the playground. The WMU/BGSU flips are mostly uncontested by other Power 5 teams and I can't imagine a worse coaching situation than the one they have in Illinois. If they grab Reese and hold on to Nelson, that will better speak to your observations.

I'll take the Big Ten flips and a flip from U of Miami and Maryland - especially with a coaching change in December.

Dino has not transformed the Orange into a "selector school" at this point, but has demonstrated some recruiting chops and a reason to be optimistic about the future.

 

[OrangeJohn]

I don't see a single commitment from NY or NJ. What happened to Dino's spirograph?

 

[TheCusian]

I don't see a single commitment from NY or NJ. What happened to Dino's spirograph?

Temporarily disabled. Need talent quickly this year. Build inroads when there is more time.

Plus their is a 2016 NY WR, a Rutgers commit - Bah - we might be in the running for.