How Syracuse flipped three-star OT recruit from Penn State

The Syracuse Orange are not often in the news for big recruiting wins. Heck, usually, when you hear about Syracuse on the recruiting trail, it's because some regional power ended up stealing a top recruit from the Orange.

That's not the case with three-star offensive tackle Roseby Lubintus, though. In fact, it's the complete opposite.

Lubintus is one of the top recruits in the region. From Sicklerville, New Jersey, he's ranked as the No. 11 player from the state, according to 247Sports. 

He had been committed to Penn State since late April, but that's a commitment he has broken in favor of Syracuse.

Speaking with Steve Wiltfong of Rivals, Lubintus showed surprising self-awareness over the reason he had originally committed to the Nittany Lions.

“For me I feel like I rushed into it. I was searching more for a name than the right place. I was trying to find somewhere that looked the best and not feel the best," he explained.

Syracuse always had that feeling, though. 

“I liked Syracuse from the beginning,” Lubinitus said. “It felt like the right option.”

Lubinitus ultimately also felt like head coach Fran Brown and the rest of his staff had his best interests in mind. The Orange were a football fit, yes, but they were also a people fit.

Penn State is a College Football Playoff contender and a national recruiting power. How does a program like Syracuse flip a recruit from a program like that?

Lubinitus gave the answer. It comes down to relationships, as it always does on the recruiting trail.

Brown is building a belief and confidence over at Syracuse as well, though.

“Syracuse you can see it from the outside that they are rebuilding something,” Lubintus said. “We are getting more recruits. We are getting a whole bunch of studs whether you like it or not. I feel it’s going to be something great and I want to be part of it. I want to show what I can put out there. I don’t want to be another jersey number. I want people to know who I am.”

Lubintus will get to prove himself at Syracuse right along with the rest of the Orange. He's the 27th commitment to go Syracuse's way in a class that's ranked No. 21 nationally.