Doug Marrone said at¬†Big East Media Day he’s never felt better about his recruiting,¬†and that includes growing influence down in Georgia. Earlier in the week The Fizz discussed Syracuse’s top 3 targets down there for the¬†Class of 2013, and 3-star DE/OLB Rakim Peters from Apalachee HS made the list. He’s ranked in the top 100 nationally at his position. The 6‚Äô4‚Äù 230 lb. hybrid pass rusher tells The Fizz he will be taking an official to SU at some point. That bodes well for the Orange, as it battles with ACC and SEC schools in landing the Winder, GA native. Peters has over a dozen scholarship offers, but fortunately for SU, Rakim places a big emphasis on being the first Orange recruiting class to play in the ACC.
‚ÄúIt‚Äôs very important. If I go to Syracuse I can have my mom drive out and watch me play [at road games]. I just know I have family and friends that can come out and watch.”
Peters has scholarship offers from schools all over the southeast, but his top 5 right now includes Syracuse, Clemson, Missouri, Kentucky and Mississippi State. Rakim will most likely wait until after his football season to take his official visits. He originally wanted to plan a visit to SU back in June, but never made it to campus. The Georgia product admitted that he and Greg Adkins, who has been recruiting Peters, will be planning one for either November or December.
For now, Rakim will focus on his senior season. Peters is very versatile because he can play in either the two or three point stance at the DE or OLB position. His coach Shane Davis describes to The Fizz why that makes Rakim so dangerous on the football field.
“He’s got height, and really good size and he just moves well. He understands the game well. He plays fast, and does a little bit of everything on defense. We played him at the DE spot in our 4-3 front, but when we go to our three-man front we actually drop him into the secondary. He can do a little bit of everything.”
Peters recorded 70 tackles and racked up 6 sacks last season. The pass rusher is a very respectful and intelligent kid, and would certainly fit in with the type of players Marrone brings in. Coach Davis said Peters is looking for the perfect fit Рa school where he is most comfortable and not just a big name. He’d rather focus on the character and success of the team, something that Marrone stresses. Davis believes Rakim has one of the best team attitudes.
“Rakim is a very humble kid and all this is very new to him, and it’s been a great experience for him. The last thing he wants is the spotlight to be on him, he’d rather it be on his team.”
Reeling in a player like Rakim Peters¬†will further extend Syracuse‚Äôs ever growing roots in the Peach State. Marrone has brought in 5 Georgia prospects in his last two classes, most recently George Morris and Josh Manley. Marrone is also targeting a specific region in Georgia, right around the Atlanta area. All 6 SU players that hail from Georgia on the roster right now and two more ’13 targets are all from within an hour‚Äôs drive around Atlanta. That includes¬†WR Keenan Hale, RB George Morris, LB Cameron Lynch, OT Kris Curtis, TE Josh Parris, and DE Josh Manley as current Orange, Peters & 3-star OLB Kristopher Smith for ’13.
Marrone is trying to brand the Syracuse name in that specific location, and it certainly has paid dividends. The Orange will play in Atlanta regularly when it travels to play Georgia Tech in upcoming seasons.
One other tidbit to keep in mind is Peters will also be a four-year varsity starter on Apalachee‚Äôs basketball team this winter. He’s a huge hoops fan, and tells The Fizz getting the chance to watch the SU basketball squad every year is a big factor to him. Peters is also a Carmelo Anthony fan.¬†Can somebody get him a Midnight Madness ticket?
It’s still a long way off before Peters makes his decision, which he says will be in either December or January. But SU is already high on the sensational pass rusher’s list. And that could only mean good things for Marrone’s thriving pipeline in Georgia.
Posted: Kevin Fitzgerald
62 responses to “Don’t Sweat the Technique: Georgia Pass Rusher Rakim Peters to Visit SU”
I like the fact that
Rakims a hoops fan,can someone see he gets a midnight madness pass in the fall?..it gives us a huge advantage in recruiting!!You can bet UK will get him pass’s for their midnight madness!!!OLB/DEs ya can never have enough of them…
@Dipper,don’t forget the NYG’s first preseason game is on TV tonight!!I know I’ll be tuning in!!@Ron,how was the fanfest?
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG-MEN!!! NY only team!!!
kickoffffff=GO GmmmMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAAANNNN
@Russell MacEachern;I just got home from Fanfest and boy did I ever get totally surprised as to what I saw.
a) Syracuse will try to establish a running game ans install the passing game once established. We are loaded with 9 running backs ready to battle for a starting spot.
b) new formations will be used on the offensive side of the ball within the 5 yard line.
c)tight ends and receivers(Ron Thompson,Beckett Whales,Marcus Sales and Alic Lemon) were exceptional. Quinta Funderburk is going to be a force to be reckoned with come next year.
d) Ashton Broyld was used as a slot reciever,return man on kickoffs,QB out of the Wildcat package with Charley Loeb under center.
e) defense is bigger,stronger and faster.
f) QB’s used were Ryan Nassib, Charlie Loeb, John Kinder and Terril Hunt.
g) Leading rusher in my opinion was Adonis-Ameen-Moore and Freshman George Morris III with Prince Tyson-Gully.
h) the kicking game is going to be interesting, A walk-on #92 Riley Dixon was standing on his own 15 yard line and punting the ball down to the other 16 yard line with excellent hang time.
i) we have players at every position folks.
j) the juco transfer Davon Walls is now on campus. And I’m telling you this kid is a monster as well as all of the other transfers are.
k) I got a little confused because the Iowa DE transfer is listed at 316 lbs and was playing defensive tackle.
l) i got to meet and talk with assistant coaches Rob Moore and Tyrone Wheatly. And for me that highlighted the whole affair.
m) after watching the kick return team practice, I believe that Jeremiah Kobena will return at least 2 kickoffs back for a touchdown.
At the beginning of every season I take the schedule and predict the over-all win loss record for the year. At first I predicted a 10-2 record,later revised it to 6-6 and after today’s event am revising it again. My prediction now stands at 9-3 regular season record.
Fans get you tickets,because I’m telling you this team is for real.
@Ron,thats a lot to absorb,sounds great,better news that I could’ve hoped for!!You’ve got my hopes skyrocketing again as I can tell yours are…boy Dippers gonna enjoy that well detailed report.Thanks a lot Ron for lending me your eyes and ears…Friends,Romans and Countryman..lol…Norma could’nt make it for the first time in 3 years due to a wedding in Canada…
Im a little surprised Adonis A-Moore looked so good,maybe he’ll renew my faith in him!!…Go Giants…
the Gmans DL is killer….
@Russell MacEachern;I’ll be honest Russ,when he decides to run and run hard,he looks like a smaller version on Larry Csonka. Lowers his head and just plows is way forward.
That’s what I saw today.
Raymons weight is a surprise too!!
Ron:
-I like that Marrone is going to give the RBs like Smith, PTG, AAM, Morris, etc time to compete against one another and battle. Out of that group I don’t think there is one runner who excels past the others. Might do what he did towards end of last season this year and give 2-3 RBs equal amount of snaps each game. Hopefully someone steps up and establishes the #1 spot.
-I think Broyld is a no-brainer at “wildcat” type offense. He’ll be everywhere, but think he will see most time at WR position. Just have to get those soft hands in check.
-Absolutely would have to assume that Raymon plays one of the DTackle positions this year. No way he’s dropping 40+ lbs to play DE. No problem in my mind, another big body up the middle. One thing I’m hearing a lot of is the unexpected SIZE of squad. That’s huge.
9-3 is still wishful thinking. HEALTH will be the key for 6-7 wins. Which I don’t think is out of the question.
***So let’s get the preseason predictions going. I’m saying a 6-6 bowl year.
Predictions?….
“Im literally crying Russ,your “a true original dude”…nicest compliment I’ve received in many years!
@Kevin Fitzgerald,thasnks for responding to my post. At one point,I too predicted a 6-6 season. But Kevin after watching the team today, I’ve totally changed my prediction.
GO CUSE;
@Kevin,Im thinking along your lines about Raymon and the record,I’ll stick with my original 7-5 w/luck and a bowl win for 8 altogether wins….yes Raymon w/add a little quickness to DT position…next year will be THE YEAR…
Damn,you gotta be kidding me….dump Perriloux,he stinks!!C’mon Jints score..
I can’t believe the scrub’s aren’t doing squat,Perrilloux stinks..
Anyone go to fan fest I would love to her insight and opinions
NOTICE TO THE WRITERS AT ORANGEFIZZ.NET:
You probably need to write an article about Ogundeko’s extension specifically benefiting my alma mater. He was a 98% lock to Florida before his decision to extend. I can’t help but to see ‘Cuse fans feeling like Ebo was a lock to go upstate and his decision to extend was to acquire more desirable offers. As journalists with incite to the matter- you should dig further into this to disprove this chain of thought. I happen to think that his last visit to ‘Cuse was a deciding factor to push his decision. If we have the potential for success as I think we do, he may pull a Wayne Morgan and commit to Syracuse. Let’s not forget that LO was a long shot at this time last year.
@CuseDontLuse,as you can see in above comment Ron had some unique observations, as its 130am here in the east I suggest you come back on in the morning and Im sure Ron can give ya all the info you need!!Thanks CDL for being part of our little “family”….
Haha thanks Russ for including me in the family just read Ron’s post easily my favorite parts were hearing his optimism of a 9 win season after fan fest as compared to his previous selection of 6 as well as the Kobena part. Me living in Texas, I got to go to the Tulane game and saw him almost take that kick back he is certainly explosive and often not talked about though he played a sizable role for a freshman. Again Ron repeats this motif of a larger group of players that are bigger faster stronger and just overall sound more capable. This is the kind of stuff I want to be hearing a year away from the ACC next year when we go to the ACC we need to get a moving conference trailer like West Virginia’s : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZzuzgRnP6k
@CDL,thanks for responding and attachement but you forgot too give your prediction on what ya rhink our record will be this year?
its early,sorry for misspell-(think)…
@Cuse Don’t Luse; With the 2013 recruits added to what we already have,Syracuse is going to be ready to play in the ACC.
Morning Fizz Fam….lot to look at this post! Watched 3Qs of NYGs….how the “holy moley Batman” did they lose?
@Ron Super informative….i was gonna come find you by screaming, “Ron,its BigDip, where are you?” But didnt wanna piss off HCDM! Your coverage was better than Syracuse.com
@Russ you & Ron are raising the “bar” concerning SU passion, glad I’m riding the wave! If I need AA intervention for FB I’m calling you guys!
@CDL I agree, they sound ready to compete! After Fort Drum, they’ll be a wolfpack ( not the kind on Trueblood, HBO).
@kevin f. Prediction: 7-5….w/losses to USC, Mizz, Lou, USF, &___?
@AK47 i think the whole “play w/ Edwards” was for exposure…move on from EO, 8-11 3 star recruits would be just as helpful w/ the current momentum of the program, in my opinion. A beast…but the Fizz Fam has moved on…”On to the next one”
* With 100 kids in camp, last 4 yrs felt like SMU/PSU “death penalty”
, the depth may benefit the team as much as any other factor, moving forward.
* my buddies and i caught a glimpse of Zach Allen on ESPN this week, he along with other recruits filmed interviews; what E11 means to them…my friend was surprised “A Syracuse commit” he screamed, I said “ZA…where have you been, inside a wall like that Big Papi jersey@ Yankee Stadium?” I’m big on watching ESPNU for un scheduled interviews & shows….other teams’ practices/springs…tho ZA was on regular ESPN.
* did i miss anything? @russ any fb on 2day?
I see your up early for a Saturday after such a big day yesterday Ron…note CDL is dying for all the info u could offer…all the way from Texas,I wonder if his parents went too the “Cuse”?btw good morning..
Hey Dipper,I see you arose safely from your chyrochamber,I was worried aliens stole my grandson lol…I was pissed about that Giant game…Ill be back online in about an hour OK hope your not kidnapped again?or just off-line..Haha…
Ron and Dip,lot too absorb,I’ll respond at about 830am…need my coffee..
Dipper,I knew you would’nt miss Giant game!!what did ya think of Dave Wilson?I thought he was alright for his first pro game but I was’nt pleased w/2 and 3rd team D and OL…Perrilloux stinks..
I’ll fill in Dippers 5th loss in prediction for him..either RU or please no (UCONN)”hope not them” again..almost my exact feelings tho UL and RU could go other way in a “best of worlds” prediction..too much to hope for?..
Yeah Dip.NY Jets-Cinncy,330 on tape SNY and Cowboys-Raiders at 8pm on ESPin Monday.Lets see the real Tebow in action and how they use him!!!
@bigdip;are you a local fan? Do you attend the games? If yes to my questions,do you go by yourself or does your father or brothers/sisters attend the games with you?
My three son’s and I will be tailgating over to Manley field House early Saturday Morning having breakfast and then having dinner after the game on Sept,1st. Your more than welcome to come join us if you’d like.
We should be setting up approximately 6:30/7:00 am for breakfast.
let me know ok.
Ron,unbelieveable,do you mean you were still argueing w/Carlton untill midnight last night,..no wonder he was so insistent on his anti-east coast bias I figured he had to live in the south…they get brainwashed down their!!! my own cousin thinks football was invented there by theway he talks!?!?He’ll he was raised in N.Jersey near me till he was 19 moved to FLa in 1972 and 30yrs later he’s a bonafide r-neck..btw my cousin could’nt play the game to save his life,but he sure talks like he was w/s.Stonewall at Bullrun?BS lol..
Ron,what are ya trying to do,kidnap my grandson?lol..great to see ya look a little deeper into the Dip,I’ve enjoyed the board so much more since he’s graced us w’his humor and personality!!His youthful enthusiasm is contagious..wonderful lad.btw I imagine CDL w/want to pick your brain for info,another nice lad.
Btw Ron,did you see Macky MacPherson?..is he any bigger?He seemed to be pushed around too much last couple of year’s.Whose the back-up center?
Its fun for us, I wonder if D.A. sits back like, “those Fizz Fam guys are crazy fanatic nuts!”
Ron- I’ll take you up on the offer one day! My uncle and his buddies ‘gate at SkyTop during the season, its pretty fun, Union fellas, they have a ball!
Russ- Thanks for the FB update!Tebow upstate? Never in a million years did i think it would happen, unless he was beating BUF! Cant wait to see his package of plays.
NYG talk- Wilson had a good performance! Was skeptical on draft night, but he doubled DOUG MARTINS production, (1st rd rb ’12), and RICHARDSON(top5 pick ’12) is hurt. But Randle looked good and i had to see that, losing Manningham and Jacobs, hurt! Great competitors, but could they be REPLACED, production wise? Last night was a step forward.
Lucky we won’t be leaning on rookies.
Dang Dip,Im blacked out??Probably our Jints don’t want us Albany area guys watching Jet games….even pregame!!Hope you can see it Dipper?OH Well There’s still Olympics and Yankee’s!!
Ron,now when I see your name the theme song to Fred MacMurray’s family show of the 60s “My Three Son’s” goes on in my head LOL remember it?HaHa..
@Russ- Yes i’ve lived in the south for sometime now but I was born an raised in upstate NY about 30mins outside of Rochester. I took the chance to get out of the cold and snow for school. Did my undergrad at UofL and am currently doing my masters at FSU. Its not brainwashing when u see the passion of the fans and the yr long work these kids put in for the season its just incredible. I cant comment on downstate but I do know there isnt a hs football rivalry where i’m from that could draw 38,000-45,000 ppl like the st.x vs trinity hs football game does. It was a running jk about how that was the most attended football at papa johns stadium how i was in school their. I’m sorry u have such a narrow view on the south. Louisville is a great city and if u have a chance u should check out the Louisville and `Cuse bball game out at the YUM! center this yr. I had the privilege to have been given tickets president suite for the game 2yrs ago an had a great time. I dont know if u still have some kind of issue /w me but if u do ill just do my best to stay outta ur way. Although so u know there isnt any hard feeling i’ll extend the same offer to u to come tailgate down here for the fsu/`cuse football game if they play it in tally next season.
@Russ yes my did attend america’s finest college institution-the CUSE and he loved every minute he got there after transferring from canisius where he played baseball and football and watched basketball with the best seats in the house if you catch my drift
Season prediction: 9-3 with losses to Louisville, Mizzou, and obviously USC, though that game will be a lot closer then the blow out it is projected to be i say we lose by 2 scores
On another note I see orange nation slowly growing, last year this website got maybe 6 comments I understand there is more feedback and fighting between the comments now but there seems to be more passion devoted from the fans and why not it is clear that to say the least the program is on the up swing
Carlton,Im familiar w/Trinity HS,DBT is trying to play them and Trinity would be catching them at good time if they take the game due to political infighting recently at DBT. I was referring to the culture in certain areas of the south that seems to take even little league football to cult status…my cousin is a great guy but he seems to forget were he comes from at times.As for you Carlton I have no issue!I was just shocked to see you,Malone and Ron were still debating the merits of NE vs Southern football went on untill last night I love football but not enough to argue for 2/3 days over it.I think it should be fun and losing brings enough grief!!As far as Im concerned its been over and I don’t think we need too avoid each other as I enjoy most of your posts.
btw,my cousin lives in Jacksonville,Fla a fine town Im sure.I’ve been through the south in the 60s and 70s when I was in the Corps….
@CDL,your growing on me lol..
@Carlton,thank you for your gracious offer and if the oppurtunity arises I’ll certainly know how to get in touch.All in all its been fun and keep your posts coming cause the “Cuse” is growing…
btw Carlton,DBTs been on national TV several times recently and have drawn 30,000 in NJ though I’ll admit its rare for NJ HS football to get more than 8/10 thousand..I don’t honestly know when they’ve lost last?…
Fella’s the key to a successful season will be how well the OL and WRs play,I think Nassib maybe the most underrated QB in the nation!!Our D seems to show up tough every year even w/the shortage of bigname talent!!What say you?..
@Kevin Fitzgerald;I think the competition for all positions is going to be interesting. I see Coach Marrone making substitutions at all key positions during a game to keep the players fresh and healthy.
Friends and family usually tell me that my cup/jug of optimism is overflowing at this time of the year. As I set watching the team on Friday I could feel the winds of change blowing across the dome carpet. You can call me crazy if you want,but that’s how I felt.
I stand by prediction of a 9-3 over-all record for this season. If it happens,I will be the happiest person on the face of this earth.
I believe that the fans ought jump on the band wagon and support the team this year. It’s going to be fun.
GO CUSE;
Rakim Peters looks like a good prospect size wise sounds like a prototypical zone blitz DE since he can drop into coverage. interesting glad hes visiting the cuse.
Thanks for the fanfest recap Ron that kind of review gets me excited for the season as if I wasn’t before. I would love to see broyld in the slot often when nassib is under center also Id love to see with the stable of rbs we have a little old school 3 back no huddle misdirection single wing or wing T to tire out an opponents first string D.
Hey Ron,believe me nobodys calling you crazy for having an optimistic prediction,Hell I hope your right as nobody know’s how grumpy and down we can get after a loss during the season w/a whole week to wait to hopefully lift ourselves out of our depression…espescially at our age Ron as we can’t wait forever for our return too glory,your optimism is your charm Ron so lets stay in our sandbox and enjoy the Cuse’s return to the national spotlight!!C’mon in BKLN and have some fun…..I feel Dipper and CDL out their looking for their first taste of real Cuse success,it’ll be fun watching their excitement…its all about the kids…yes even us older one’s!!
Get out the pom-poms fella’s lol..btw guy’s Carlton’s alright by me!!He’s a dang good fan w/his own opinions…aren’t we all?
@CDL are you up?I know its earlier in Texas,thanks for satisfying my curiousity I wondered why a young fella from Texas would find his way too Orange Fizz and the “Cuse”….does ur dad still follow as closely as u?Do u have College plans?..you seem wise beyond ur years..ur dad must be very proud of you..