Orange Recruiting Class is Complete
2/7/2007 3:24:00 PM | Football
2007 NLI Class Roster
2007 NLI Class Profiles (PDF Format)
Read Head Coach Greg Robinson's Press Conference Transcript
Orange head coach Greg Robinson's 2007 National Letter of Intent signing class includes 26 student-athletes. The group includes nine offensive players, 11 defensive players, one punter, and five who are listed in both offensive and defensive positions.
"Last year on this day I said that I felt that in the 2006 class we had a number of student-athletes who we believe fit the profile that we need to be successful here at Syracuse. I think we have done the same thing again this year," Robinson said. "We had some position areas that we were specific about, including the linebacking corps, the defensive line, and then, in general, skilled athletes were a high priority for us. We were really trying to identify those who had the physical makeup, speed, quickness, and explosiveness, that we were looking for in athletes. One thing that I really like about this class is I think that there might be somewhere between 10 and 12 of the student athletes who really could play on either side of the ball. I think that is a strong characteristic to have in a recruiting class because that kind of flexibility tells you a little bit more about the athletes, and it provides you with different ways that you can go. These are the key points about this class.”
The offensive players include wide receivers Andrey Baskin and Van Chew, quarterbacks Cody Catalina and David Legree, running backs Doug Hogue and Jamere Knox, tight end Nick Provo, and offensive tackle Josh White. On defense the Orange signed linemen Oliver Haney, Zary Stewart and Bud Tribbey, linebackers Chad Battles, Mike Mele, Jermaine Pierce and Romale Tucker, and cornerbacks Michael Holmes, Ryan Gillum, Ryan Howard and Kevyn Scott. In the special teams department, Syracuse added punter Rob Long. The Orange also signed six athletes who are listed in two positions, including Chaz Cervino (wide receiver/defensive back), Randy McKinnon (running back/safety), Da'Mon Merkerson (wide receiver/cornerback), Lamar Middleton (defensive end/tight end), Darnell Pratt (H-Back/tight end) and Max Suter (running back/safety).
For a complete list of the 2007 National Letter of Intent class, including biographies, click here.
Robinson's press conference is available via webcast on Orange All Access.
The current Syracuse squad begins Spring practice on March 21. The annual Spring Game will be Saturday, April 21 at 1:00 p.m. in the Carrier Dome.
