Stritzinger commits to Syracuse as a RB

The buzz on Warren (Mich.) De La Salle three-star athlete Allen Stritzinger was starting to build stronger this summer with the 6-foot-1, 183-pound prospect impressing after working as a defensive back at several camps. Before that momentum was fully realized, though, the No. 36 ranked Athlete prospect in the 2017 class ended his recruitment by announcing a commitment to Syracuse.

WHAT HAPPENED

Stritzinger’s offer list never matched his talent level. He pulled in an early offer from his home-state Michigan Wolverines and listed them as his leader for several months, but Syracuse was his only other Power Five offer. The Orange offered Stritzinger late this past winter, but immediately made an impression on the southeast Michigan native. Michigan State, Notre Dame and several others were showing significant interest, but mostly at defensive back and the opportunity to play running back at Syracuse was too enticing to pass up.

IN HIS WORDS

“They want me at (running back) and that's where my heart is. I feel comfortable and natural at the position. Also, the heavy love and contact that I received from the coaching staff throughout the process made me know that's where I need to be.”

RIVALS’ REACTION

Syracuse has been making strong inroads in the state of Michigan over the last several years. Even before head coach Dino Babers took over the program, the Orange were building their brand in the Great Lakes State and had pulled several prospects. Stritzinger, though, is the highest-rated commitment they have pulled out of Michigan. A dynamic running back throughout his high school career, Stritzinger’s has shown impressive speed and fluidity for his size at defensive back this off-season. Syracuse’s desire to have him on offense, though, earned that program his commitment.