The thing I like most about this class...

[OrangeMuskyFish]

If you check out our commits on TOS, ranked by their national rating, the last four names on the list include...

Leroy Owens, Poncho Barnwell, Ben Lewis, and Tashon Whitehurst. All were productive seniors: Owens averaged about 15 tackles a game, Barnwell has averaged a sack a game over the last two years, Lewis did absolutely everything, and Whitehurst finished with well over 100 tackles himself. Physically, it is well discussed that Lewis may not have the speed to become a gamebreaker, but the three others sound like they have athleticism to burn, and all four should have plenty of size after two years of S&C.

Maybe I am drinking the Orange Hi-C (never liked the other stuff), but I just can't complain about a recruiting class where the bottom sixth of the class doesn't feature a single guy that I would bet against, or can't wait to see what they can bring to the table.

Right now Whitehurst is our only non post-grad that doesn't make TOS's positional ranking... yet this is the dude that many of us didn't want to get too attached to, because he was open to other schools, and there was a buzz that his recruiting could really take off later in the year. It's been a while since a guy like that was our LAST name on the board.

 

[Aweart23]

by the way Whitehurst is now taking visits to Rutgers and USF and is hearing from Iowa State

“I’m still a soft verbal to Syracuse,” Whitehurst said. “I’m solid to them, but I haven’t signed yet or anything. I’m still going to take my visits.”

 

[OrangeMojo]

by the way Whitehurst is now taking visits to Rutgers and USF and is hearing from Iowa State

“I’m still a soft verbal to Syracuse,” Whitehurst said. “I’m solid to them, but I haven’t signed yet or anything. I’m still going to take my visits.”

did Whitehurst already visit SU?

 

[Dmcnabbrules]

did Whitehurst already visit SU?

yes

 

[PhatOrange]

by the way Whitehurst is now taking visits to Rutgers and USF and is hearing from Iowa State

“I’m still a soft verbal to Syracuse,” Whitehurst said. “I’m solid to them, but I haven’t signed yet or anything. I’m still going to take my visits.”

He's going to end up burning us man, I'd have cut bait a long time ago.

 

[OrangeMojo]

He's going to end up burning us man, I'd have cut bait a long time ago.

have to admit, I'll be surprised if he makes it to Syracuse

 

[Halfmooncuse]

If we didn't take someone else of equal or better credentials, big mistake. If someone still interested to take his place that is wothwhile give him the ultimatum or say Hadios.

 

[PhatOrange]

have to admit, I'll be surprised if he makes it to Syracuse

His visit date to Rutgers is 1/20. If he changes his mind that leaves us about 15 days to replace his spot. This is when your BListers pick up offers instead of other Alisters who are otherwise not available now.

 

[OrangeMuskyFish]

If we didn't take someone else of equal or better credentials, big mistake. If someone still interested to take his place that is wothwhile give him the ultimatum or say Hadios.

I don't think you can understate the fact that this kid attends a school that could lead to very good prospects for us in the future. Even if this kid was a 5-star talent, you do not want to resort to pulling punches to get him if it means negative relationships.

Also, this is exactly the kind of kid where you just let things play themselves out. For at least one site, he is listed as our lowest rated recruit, he doesn't really have a position yet, he has to add about 30 pounds, and he isn't completely committed. In other words, this is exactly what a flyer should be. Great potential, but not someone you are going to miss that much if they don't turn out. Again, especially since you have been working hard to get into his school for the last two years... we were in early on Trevarris Saulsberry and Jordan Williams the year before, and then got blown out of the water... but that may not be the case next time we chase two 3-star guys from that school.

 

[echosofmanley]

Lewis- he isnt going to bulk up to TE ?

Just by his tape, he would be a quicker TE.

 

[CbusCuse]

Lewis- he isnt going to bulk up to TE ?

Just by his tape, he would be a quicker TE.

Kid is listed at 185 lbs, he isn't going to be a TE. Plus we have Ron Thompson, Parris at TE in this class and Broyld could eventually end up there. Give him a redshirt year and I could see him developing into an Alec Lemon type player for us after Lemon graduates. Lemon and Lewis look similar to me. Both look to have good hands and neither are burners but they aren't exactly slow. Both just seen to be productive football players.

 

[CbusCuse]

Then again I think others have mentioned he may play defense.

 

[OrangeCrush22]

Ben Lewis IMO will either end up as a WR or LB.

 

[OrangeMuskyFish]

I'm thinking WR all the way for Lewis. If you look at the future of our WR position, we have brought in some raw speed, and we have brought in some raw size, but IMO only Cornelius projects to be the kind of guy who can be a possession receiver, and a big-play guy, and start being counted on relatively early in his career. Things look good IMO, but it is based on a lot of potential... We will get some big play threats out of this crew, but its also the type of group in which a reliable route-runner with hands can sneak up on.

 

[Moontan]

by the way Whitehurst is now taking visits to Rutgers and USF and is hearing from Iowa State

“I’m still a soft verbal to Syracuse,” Whitehurst said. “I’m solid to them, but I haven’t signed yet or anything. I’m still going to take my visits.”

All things being equal... unless he's no longer sold on the BE, you'd think USF might have the edge. Only 2 hours from home with a current teammate heading that way. RU means two games close to home (USF). SU means maybe one game close to home (FSU) and maybe two other drivable games (GT, Miami).

 

[echosofmanley]

Kid is listed at 185 lbs, he isn't going to be a TE. Plus we have Ron Thompson, Parris at TE in this class and Broyld could eventually end up there. Give him a redshirt year and I could see him developing into an Alec Lemon type player for us after Lemon graduates. Lemon and Lewis look similar to me. Both look to have good hands and neither are burners but they aren't exactly slow. Both just seen to be productive football players.

Good to hear. anyone know how Addazzio is coming on getting his shoulder right?