Brendan Smith

In a video on Twitter this morning, 3-star DE/OLB Caleb Okechukwu has announced his commitment to Syracuse. Okechukwu had narrowed his list to Syracuse, Arkansas and Texas ahead of National Signing Day.

Okechukwu was a necessary target for Syracuse, as a the defensive unit managed just 17 sacks last season. Prior to his commitment, Syracuse had not received a pledge from any defensive linemen. Okechukwu joins Javeron Howard (3-star RB) and Akeem Dixon (3-star RB) as the three players to commit to Syracuse this morning. Both Howard and Dixon had previously announced their verbal commitments, but had not previously signed. Dixon was committed before the first signing period, but poor grades delayed his signing.

Syracuse is not done adding to their class just yet. Jawhar Jordan, another 3-star running back, will not be signing today due to academic concerns. However, Jordan still believes that he will be able to enroll this summer, and is hoping to sign sometime soon.

Syracuse target Fitzroy Gardner, a 3-star defensive end from Florida, has signed with Iowa Western Community College, fearing that he would not be eligible if he pledged with Syracuse. Stephen Bailey of syracuse.com has confirmed that Syracuse will be holding a scholarship in the chance that Gardner qualifies academically.