Syracuse nabs Maryland lineman

Late last week, Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha Catholic guard Ryan Bartholomew committed to Syracuse. We caught up with the 6-foot-3, 300-pounder to find out what stood out about the Orangemen that made him want to commit there.

"The academics there are really strong and they also have the area I want to study (Exercise Science) and it's a very good school on a beautiful campus," he said. "I especially like the offensive line coach, my impression is that he's a very knowledgeable guy and knows what he's doing. I think the new staff is going to bring fresh and new energy to the team. Finally, I like the hominess at Syracuse. It feels like home because all the coaches know everyone's name and they look out for each other."

The offensive guard prospect wanted to get his decision out of the way before the season starts.

"I didn't want to have recruiting be a distraction during the season. I wanted to concentrate and focus on DeMatha and graduating," he said. "I'm relieved now that it's done because I don't have to think about that and I don't have to lead people on. Instead, I can focus on my technique and getting the fundamentals down before I go to Syracuse in hopes that I can step in and play early."

What will Bartholomew bring to the Orangemen?

"I'm going to bring hard work," he said. "If you play at DeMatha you know that you've got to do that and I can work hard anywhere."

This season the lineman expects to attend a few Syracuse home games.

"I'm going to go with whatever fits in my high school schedule," he said. "When I watch them, I'm going to keep an eye on the line play and see just how the offense works. I want to see how they pass and run the ball."

Bartholomew had one final note to say on his recruitment.

"I'm happy to be going to a big-time Division I school that is also a great academic school," he said. "They have great coaches and I just feel very blessed."