National Signing Day 2012: Syracuse Coach Doug Marrone Says Future ACC Move Already Paying Dividends

Syracuse head football coach Doug Marrone reflected on the recruiting Class 2012 earlier today (via SU Athletics).

In terms of the now four classes he had brought into Syracuse, Marrone said "I think this is the first class where we really did a good job addressing the needs for this football team, obviously, with the defensive line."

Marrone also said that the future move from the Big East to the ACC in 2014 has helped recruiting in Georgia. Syracuse has three players from the state of Georgia in this year's recruiting class: defensive tackle Josh Manley, running back George Morris Jr. and tight end Josh Parris.

We have a good foundation in Georgia from coach Ad [Greg Adkins] and I have been down there in that state for a good period of time. And really in the past history of Syracuse, we've have some good players come from the state of Georgia and have come up here and played right away and have done well both in school and obviously on the field.

The foundation of the East coast now opens up a greater recruiting area for us with more players. Where we've been it's been kind of tough to get into those pockets when you're just jumping in and jumping out and trying to go specifically for certain kids. We're starting to see the benefits of our ability to have been down there now since we've been here really. But, now we're in there a little bit harder, a little bit more and we have a little bit more to sell at the end of the day. We have to sell the ACC and that's helped us quite a bit with those players.

Syracuse landed 22 players in the 2012 class.

For more on Syracuse football recruiting, check back to this StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician will be discussing the 2012 recruiting class of Syracuse for the next few days.

Syracuse Football Recruiting: National Signing Day Commitments 2012

The Syracuse Orange football program's National Signing Day 2012 is over, as Syracuse and head coach Doug Marrone has snagged 22 commitments for the Class of 2012-13, reports the athletic department. Currently, Syracuse's recruiting class is ranked No. 49 by Scout.com and No. 51 by 247sports.com. This is an improvement over a few days ago when Syracuse was ranked No. 57 by Scout.com.

Last season, Scout.com ranked SU has the 50th-best recruiting class, while in '10 the Orange ranked No. 53.

The big names in this year's recruiting class are: tight end Ron Thompson Jr (Southfield, MI), a Rivals' three-star recruit, and defensive back Wayne Morgan (Brooklyn, N.Y), a three-star prospect, Markus Pierce-Brewster (San Francisco, CA), a three-star defensive end, and Myles Hilliard (Bedford, OH) who's a three-star defensive lineman recruit.

Thompson and Morgan have also been rated as four-star players by Scout.com and other recruiting services. Thompson was a strong verbal commit coming into Wednesday, while Morgan made his announcement official this Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, Markus Pierce-Brewster is a JUCO transfer from San Francisco, CA who earned All-American and California Defensive Player of the Year honors from its coaches association. Hilliard had originally committed to Pittsburgh but changed his mind to Syracuse Tuesday.

At 3 p.m., Marrone will hold a press conference about Syracuse football's recruiting class of 2012.

Here's a breakdown of the Syracuse recruiting class of 2012 via SUathletics.com:

For more on Syracuse football recruiting, check back to this StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician will be discussing the 2012 recruiting class of Syracuse for the next few days.

Tashon Whitehurst Commits To South Florida Over Syracuse And Rutgers

Tashon Whitehurst, a three-star outside linebacker by Rivals, has committed to South Florida reports Tampa Bay Times writer Greg Auman and confirmed by Scout.com's John Garrcia Jr on National Signing Day 2012. Whitehurst, who played is from Gainesville, FL, chose South Florida over Syracuse and Rutgers, the other two finalist for his services.

Syracuse was hoping to add Whitehurst (6-foor-2, 190-pounds) and pair him with three-star defensive back Wayne Morgan (Brooklyn, NY), who just sent his letter of intent to SU. Rutgers was hopeful to had Whitehurst to its already outstanding recruiting class, which has cracked Rivals' top 25.

Tashon Whitehurst #21 Season Highlight Film (Gainesville High School) (via PinkEffectMG)

For more on Syracuse football recruiting, check back to this StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician will be discussing the 2012 recruiting class of Syracuse for the next few days.

For more on Rutgers football recruiting, check out this SB Nation New York StoryStream and the SB Nation blog On The Banks. Click the link for more on National Signing Day 2012.

Syracuse Football Recruiting 2012: National Signing Day 2012 Morning Status

The Syracuse football program is currently reeling in a solid recruiting group during Wednesday's National Signing Day 2012. As of 10:30 a.m., the Orange and head coach Doug Marrone have 18 players who have sent national letters of intent, which makes it official that the player is attending Syracuse.

So far, the group included eight three-star recruits with six of them playing on the defensive side of the ball.

Earlier in the morning, Syracuse got a verbal commitment from three-star defensive back Wayne Morgan (Brooklyn, NY) but has yet to receive a official letter. Others still yet to send letters are tight end Ron Thompson and junior college transfers Mark Garrick and Markus Pierce-Brewster.

Meanwhile, three-star linebacker Tashon Whitehurst will announce his decision later Wednesday, as he deciding between Syracuse, Rutgers and South Florida.

Three-star defensive lineman Poncho Barnwell will not sign today, as OrangeFizz.net says that is probably academically related.

At 3 p.m. Marrone will hold a press conference about Syracuse football's recruiting class of 2012. Here's a list of the commitments (the bolded players have sent letters of intent).

(Note: not listed is three-star linebacker Myles Davis from Verona, PA. who has sent his letter of intent.)

For more on Syracuse football recruiting, check back to this StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician will be discussing the 2012 recruiting class of Syracuse for the next few days.

Julian Pinnix-Odrick Commits To Rutgers Over Syracuse

Julian Pinnix-Odrick, the No. 23-ranked player at his position according to Rivals, committed to the Rutgers football program Wednesday during National Signing Day 2012. Pinnix-Ordick, a three-star defensive lineman who played Montclair High School in Montclair, N.J., chose Rutgers over Syracuse.

Pinnix-Odrick (6-foot-5, 260 pounds) had zeroed in on Rutgers after also considering Syracuse, which he visited this past weekend. Pinnix-Odrick was a question mark to coming to Piscataway after the Scarlet Knights lost Greg Schiano last Thursday and hired a new one, Kyle Flood, Tuesday.

However, Pinnix-Odrick will now in what is possibly Rutgers greatest recruiting class ever. On Tuesday night, the Scarlet Knights added five-star defensive end Darius Hamilton, who helped Rutgers vault into the top 25 of Rivals' overall rankings. As of Tuesday, Rutgers was ranked No. 35 by Rivals.

Julian Pinnix-Odrick talks to Scarlet Nation (via rutgersfootballnj)

For more on Darius Hamilton and Rutgers football recruiting, check out this SB Nation New York StoryStream and the SB Nation blog On The Banks. Click the link for more on National Signing Day 2012.

Wayne Morgan Commits To Syracuse Over UConn, Penn State

Wayne Morgan, the No. 26 rated defensive back by Rivals, has committed to Syracuse according to MSGVarsity.com during Wednesday's National Signing Day 2012. Morgan, a three-star defensive back played at Erasmus Hall in Brooklyn, NY, chose Syracuse over UConn and Penn State.

"I’ve been talking to the coaches for about two and a half, three years, so I was already comfortable with the coaches," Morgan told MSG Varsity in an exclusive interview Tuesday morning. "I knew most of the players already. I liked the campus, everything about it."

Morgan (5-foor-11, 188-pounds) admitted that Penn State was "too late" in the recruiting process and chose Syracuse because he just felt more comfortable there than at UConn. Morgan also said he chose to be an Orange because of head coach Doug Marrone, a Bronx native, and the good time he had during his official visit in December.

"It’s real big because I’m going to be part of something that is extraordinary," Morgan said. "Going to a Division I school with guys from the city, that’s a great job right there. I just want to compete and do the best I can when I get there."

Wayne Morgan Jr Year Highlght 2010 (via mousiedon)

According to MSGVarsity.com, Morgan was the most highly touted New York City recruit and can also play quarterback.

"I’ve been working for this all my life," Morgan said. "I used to look up to the older guys and would see them signing the papers and going to college. I just wanted to do the same thing. There’s no words. I’m just overwhelmed."

For more updates on Wayne Morgan, check back to this StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician will be discussing the 2012 recruiting class of Syracuse for the next few days.

National Signing Day 2012: Syracuse Football Enters Wednesday With Momentum

The Syracuse football recruiting class has taken shape over the past few days and will finalize Wednesday during National Signing Day 2012. The Orange have already landed commitments from 23 players including a trio of three-star defensive linemen Poncho Barnwell (Rochester, N.Y.), Myles Hilliard (Bedford, OH), and Markus Pierce-Brewster (San Fransisco, CA) and three-star quarterback Ashton Broyld (New Berlin, N.Y.).

The Syracuse football recruiting class of 2012 is currently ranked No. 51 by Scout.com and could jump into the Top 50 if its gets three-star defensive back Wayne Morgan (Brooklyn) to commit Wednesday -- Morgan will make his announcement at 4 p.m.

Syracuse is also trying to pry three-star defensive lineman Julian Pinnix-Odrick away from Rutgers.

So for, here's the list of commitments via Rivals:

For more updates on Josh Manley and Markus Pierce-Brewster, check back to this StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician will be discussing the 2012 recruiting class of Syracuse for the next few days.

Markus Pierce-Brewster Commits To Syracuse Over Kansas Hours Before National Signing Day 2012

Markus Pierce-Brewster, a three-star defensive end from San Francisco, CA, committed to the Syracuse Orange football program Tuesday. Pierce-Brewster (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) will be a JUCO transfer who's coming off a All-American season at San Francisco City College where he also earned California Defensive Player of the Year honors from its coaches association.

According to Scout.com's John Garcia Jr. Pierce-Brewster is "A versatile speed rusher with the ability to play linebacker as well... Pierce-Brewster totaled 14 tackles for loss to go along with six sacks last season."

Garcia also called the commitment a "huge get for the Orange" and added that Pierce-Brewster is third JUCO defensive lineman transfer to commit to Syracuse after the big Jan. 20 weekend visit.

On Tuesday, the Orange added three-star defensive lineman Myles Hilliard (Bedford High School in Bedford, OH). Combine that with the Pierce-Brewster signing and the Orange's overall Scout.com ranking jumps from No. 54 to 50.

For more updates on Markus Pierce-Brewster, check back to this StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician will be discussing the 2012 recruiting class of Syracuse for the next few days.

National Signing Day 2012: Julian Pinnix-Odrick Deciding Between Rutgers And Syracuse

Julian Pinnix-Odrick, the No. 23 ranked defensive end prospect by Rivals, is a "soft" verbal commit to play for the Rutgers football program but did make an official visit to Syracuse this past weekend. The visit along with the drama surrounding the Scarlet Knights head coaching position -- which ended Monday as former offensive line coach Kyle Flood being promoted to head coach -- has possible switched the mindset of Pinix-Odrick, who's said to be now considering SU "heavily" said Scout.com's John Garcia Jr. Monday.

On Monday, Syracuse "stole" 3-star defensive end Myles Hilliard from Pittsburgh after losing 3-star defensive end recruit Harold Brantley to Missouri on Sunday. The Orange are also trying heavily to snag 3-star corner back Wayne Morgan (Brooklyn, NY) and 2-star linebacker Josh Glanton (Haines City, FL) before National Signing Day 2012.

Meanwhile, Rutgers is trying to lock down 5-star defensive end Darius Hamilton after getting confirmed commitments from 4-star offensive tackles J.J. Denman (Fairless Hills, PA) and Chris Muller (Boyertown, PA) Monday.

However, Pinnix-Odrick may not make his decision until after National Signing Day.

For more updates on Julian Pinnix-Odrick and Rutgers' 2012 Recruiting Class, check back to this StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's blog On The Banks has everything on the Scarlet Knights. For more Syracuse's 2012 Recruiting Class visit this StoryStream or Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Myles Hilliard Commits To Syracuse Over Pittsburgh

Syracuse Football Recruiting 2012: Orange Lose Commit, Drop In Rankings

The Syracuse Orange football program lost a Class of 2012 recruit Sunday, as three-star defensive linemen Harold Brantley announced that he's now committing to the Missouri Tigers. Brantley (6-foot-3, 280 pounds) initially committed to Syracuse but after a weekend visit to Columbia, MI. had a change of heart.

The loss of Brantley drops the Orange's incoming recruiting class from No. 55 to 57, according to Scout.com's John Garcia Jr. Syracuse currently has 22 verbal commits but still have a few 'soft' commits that have yet to declare their official destination.

The Orange could rebound from the loss of Barntley by stealing three-star defensive tackle Julian Pinnix-Odrick from the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Pinnix-Ordick committed to the Scarlet Knights this summer but visited Syracuse over the weekend and is now "SU 'heavy'" says Garcia.

"Brantley is more of a play-maker," tweeted Garcia, "Ordick is more consistent."

So far, Syracuse's biggest verbal commit is Rob Thompson (6-4, 235), a four-star player who SU coaches said would play tight end -- possible a future replacement for senior tight end Nick Provo -- but also could play defense.

The other four-star commit is quarterback Ashton Broyld, who enrolled at SU in early January.

For more on information on this story, check back to this SB Nation New York Storystream.

Syracuse Football Recruiting 2012: How Much Will Greg Schiano's Departure Help Orange On National Signing Day?

Greg Schiano, former head coaching rival of Syracuse's Doug Marrone, was hired Thursday by the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be their new headman. The move is a small blessing from the college football gods for Orange fans, who witnessed Schiano beat Syracuse six times during his 11-year tenure at Rutgers.

"There's always been something about Schiano that just made you want to hate him," wrote SB Nation's Sean Keeley, who's the creator of the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician. "And I can't put my finger on an exact thing. He's like the Bobby Hurley of football coaches. You don't have a specific reason why you hate him, you just hate him."

However, the decision by Schiano to join the NFL could benefit Syracuse, especially since National Signing Day, Feb. 1, is just a few days away.

According to an ESPNNY.com report, Syracuse has already contacted three-star wide receiver Leonte Carroo, who had already verbally committed to Rutgers and was suppose to meet with Schiano Thursday but coach never showed.

In the same report, four-star defensive end Darius Hamilton, who SU has offered a scholarship to, is also mention. However, Hamilton is more than likely going to chose the Florida Gators.

There's no more news about any more Syracuse targets being effected by the move of Schiano, however, this late in the game it will more than likely come down the wire.

So, if you're an Syracuse football fan start praying that the college football gods can be just a bit more kinder to the Orange and that he SU recruiters can steal some prospects away from the Scarlet Knights.

For more on information on this story, check back to this SB Nation New York Storystream.

Syracuse Football Recruiting 2012: Orange Class Not Drawing Rave Reviews

With only eight days to go before National Signing Day, the Syracuse University football program might be losing ground rather than gaining it. The Orange lost one of the 24 players who had committed to Syracuse, and ratings services appear to show the current class of Syracuse recruits as being short on big-time talent.

The Syracuse recruiting class for 2012 is currently ranked 55th in the country in rankings from Scout.com. The Orange have nine three-star recruits, two four-star recruits and no five-star recruits thus far amongst the players who have committed to the school. Five-star recruits are the top, most sought-after players.

The Orange finished just 5-7 for the 2011 season, one year after winning the inaugural Pinstripe Bowl. Head coach Doug Marrone and his staff have one more week to convince star high school athletes that SU is the place for them to play football, and get an education.

Syracuse Football Recruiting 2012: Orange Have 24 Commitments

The Syracuse University football program has received a verbal commitment from Zian Jones, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound defensive end from West Los Angeles Community College. The Orange now have 24 verbal commitments as the Feb. 1 National Signing Day approaches.

Syracuse currently has 24 commitments, with 11 of those players being considered three-star recruits. The Orange have not yet received commitments from any players considered four- or five-star players, the top-tier most sought-after recruits in the country.

According to Scout.com, the 24 commitments SU has received constitute the 54th ranked recruiting class in the country. Right now, Syracuse's recruiting class is considered just the sixth-best of the eight schools in the Big East Conference.

Doug Marrone and the Orange are coming off a disappointing 5-7 season that saw Syracuse fail to qualify for a bowl bid.

-- Follow this StoryStream and Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician for more Syracuse recruiting information as National Signing Day approaches.

Syracuse Football Recruiting 2012: Josh Manley, Ryan Norton Commit To SU

The Syracuse football program landed two verbal commitments this weekend (Jan. 14-15) bringing their total number up to 23. Here are details on who the Orange landed and what the experts think about new recruits.