Introducing: Alvin Kamara. He’s a class of 2013 running back from Norcross, GA, and he’s one of the most highly sought after prep stars in the country. He’s a compact 5-10, 191 pounds, and already has 4.5 40-yard dash speed. Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban made headlines when, according to Rivals, he sent Kamara 105 recruiting letters in a single day. All of the letters had a different message selling the Crimson Tide football program.
That sounds pretty impressive, except to Doug Marrone. Saban might believe he’s ahead of the curve with his recruting ploy. But Syracuse actually gave Kamara his first offer. The Orange extended a scholarship last fall.
Can SU land the explosive running back? Chances are slim. But the Orange is hanging with the big boys at the moment.
‚ÄúRight now, I don’t have any leaders, but I’ll say a few schools stand out a little bit. Alabama, Georgia and Syracuse.‚Äù
Even the most pessimistic SU fan has to admit that’s pretty cool. Syracuse mentioned in the same sentence as two SEC powerhouses. That demonstrates the power of an early scholarship offer.
We might be seeing a philosophical change taking place before our very eyes. Marrone and co. have primarily attempted to recruit the northeast, and target attainable players outside the tri-state area. But the Orange may now be trying to lure the biggest names, no matter where they reside, by offering as early as possible. 
Yesterday, The Fizz profiled Toledo, OH sophomore DeShone Kizer. He‚Äôs a 6-foot-5, dual-threat quarterback in the class of ’14, and SU mailed the QB his first BCS offer. The offer was Marrone‚Äôs first to a high school sophomore.¬†Syracuse also dished out an offer to South Bend running back David Perkins well ahead of schedule (which came awfully close to working).
The downside to SU’s early offers is that occasionally it has landed lower-tier recruits, who jump at the opportunity to join a BCS school. This has soaked up valuable scholarships which may have been better suited for the frantic days before Signing Day.
With Kizer and Kamara, however, Syracuse has taken an even more aggressive approach. Marrone has undoubtedly upped the early-offer ante. He’s finding some of the nation’s top talent, and beating every other BCS school to the punch in the process. The question is whether it will pay off for SU long term.
Posted: Andrew Kanell
29 responses to “Kamara Says Syracuse Stands Out, Can Saban’s Letter Campaign be Defeated?”
Getting there early is a big deal, especially when you’re being recruited by coaches that convey that they actually care about your interests. I think Marrone and co. do that well.
I don’t think anyone can argue Marrone and his staff have a great ability at identifying talent when they see it. A Dontez Ford comes to mind. A NR kid from the start who is now garnering a 3 star rating from Scout. When him and these other under the radar kids have signed people have complained mightily that Marrone has an inability to sign talent. Think the doubters should at least start to give this staff credit where credit is due. The only thing we need now is a closer, I’m thinking let Tyrone Wheatley just recruit everyone.
It would be interesting to know which RB prospect is #1 on Doug’s wish list?We have two very good players on the roster that haven’t really been tested Gulley, Morris and Mcfarlane. Either one could be a star given the right amount of support by the O-line and play calling mix. Thats just as important as talent and support. I think Morris will be a huge surprise; As in better than expected.
thats why i like this coach, everyone thinks he screwing up but let me tell you , the state of this program when marrone walked in here was real scary.. obstacles after obstacles coach marrone went through to get the program rolling as fast as possible. i just feel he gets it, the guy is very well respected in my eyes and i beleive he’s our coach. go orange..
Chris..I hope u mean wishlist in the state?Id hope were fishing in deeper water’s although i’ll admit either or both would sure help the team…remember in the ACC or even BC or RU these are B-lister’s…no offense to these fine lads….yea I know…BC is in the ACC…but they don’t recruit well over the last 5 or 6 year’s…whats up with that?they used to cleanup in the northeast?
Wilson is huge because of talent and timing. Being early allows for chest thumping on the part of the coaches when speaking to their recruits thatthey are looking at to join the team.
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