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The Daily OrangeFB | Robinson makes in-state recruits priority in 2008
By Jared Diamond
Posted: 2/7/08, 12:42 AM EST Section: Sports
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After three years of trying, perhaps that wall has finally been built - or at least the foundation of it.
Robinson officially introduced the recruiting class of 2008, the largest and highest-rated of his career, at a press conference at Manley Field House Wednesday afternoon. The media also had the opportunity to meet four of the incoming freshmen that enrolled at SU in January: running back Averin Collier, defensive end Mikhail Marinovich, wide receiver Van Chew and kicker Austin Wallis.
Of the 27 prospects that comprise this year's group, seven played either high school or prep school football in New York, including the two highest-ranked players in the state, according to Scout.com: Collier from Rochester and wide receiver Marcus Sales from Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse.
Although Syracuse did tap 10 states and Washington, D.C., the seven players from New York are the most from any one state.
"That's our community," Robinson said. "For our fan base, it's got to be pretty darn exciting that the local talent has decided to stay. I think that only lends itself for the future. I've put a lot of pressure on the young group that's coming in here to, 'Come on, you can help us!' To continue to bring and keep our guys home."
Robinson has had some success in the state before this year, particularly with rising junior wide receiver Mike Williams, who hails from Buffalo.
This year was different. For the first time, Robinson managed to sign three four-star recruits from in-state (Collier, Sales and linebacker Romale Tucker, who hails from Washington, D.C., but played this fall at Milford Academy in New Berlin, N.Y.). Defensive end Mikhail Marinovich, Tucker's teammate at Milford, is also considered a four-star talent by some rating services, including Rivals.com.
Six months ago, it looked unlikely both Collier and Sales would sign with Syracuse, considering the other schools recruiting them. Despite having offers on the table from top programs like Boston College and Miami (Fla.), Sales narrowed his decision to either Pittsburgh or Syracuse because he wanted to stay close to home.
Collier received scholarship offers from almost 20 schools and was leaning heavily toward Pitt where he would team up with his brother, Kevin, who's a running back for the Panthers.
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