Syracuse added its second commitment this week, with Abraham (NY) Lincoln defensive end Jalil Smith pledging to the Orange on Friday afternoon.
The commitment came less than a week after Smith took an official visit to Central New York.
“Syracuse just made me feel at home,” Smith said in an interview with The Juice Online. “Everyone welcomed me with open arms and the academic part played a huge role into it too.”
That was enough for Smith to make his decision, selecting the Orange over offers from Bowling Green and Temple.
It was Syracuse’s fourth commitment from New York State, with Smith joining Iona (NY) Preparatory School linebacker Zyian Moultrie-Goddard, Albany Christian Brother’s Academy tight end David Clement, and Bennett (NY) High defensive lineman Rashard Perry.
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers rounds out the class so far.
I am beyond proud and grateful to Announce I am 100% Committed to Syracuse University 🍊🧡 #OURHOU23 #ORANGE #JUICEDUP@oc_lincoln @CoachNJ_Monroe @CuseCoachTW @CuseFootball @Coach_HugginsJr pic.twitter.com/VgMJBeOi49
— Jalil Smith ✞ ⑬🖤 (@iamfutureja_) June 24, 2022
Another factor in Smith’s commitment included his relationship with his primary recruiter, assistant coach Nick Monroe.
“Coach Monroe and I have an awesome relationship,” Smith said. “He’s a pretty cool guy, couldn’t ask for a better recruiting coach.”
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The coaching staff sees Smith as a key piece on its defensive line as the Orange continues to recruit into defensive coordinator Tony White’s 3-3-5 system that requires its defensive linemen to be aggressive in their pass rush.
“(They want me to be) just a wreck on the defensive line,” Smith said. “Someone who is fast strong and can cause havoc in the backfield.”
And for Syracuse fans who aren’t familiar with him yet, Smith plans on showing them what he’s about when he steps on campus.
“They have someone coming in who’s gonna work they butt off day in and day out on the field and in the classroom,” Smith said, “and represent the home state.”
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