yracuse Class of 2000
     
    Diamond Ferri, RB, 5'11, 200, 4.5, Everett, MA
  
 
Tom Lemming Pre-Season All-American, #2 RB New England, #2 overall prospect in New England
SuperPrep Pre-Season All-American, #30 RB, #1 New England
SuperPrep Post-Season All-Region, #4 New England
PrepStar Post-Season All-American, #5 RB Northeast
Tom Lemming Post Season #23 East



 		 
   
        The Gurus said . . .
  
  Pre-Season
  
SuperPrep:

“‘I have good speed and I’m not afraid to go through somebody. I’m looking for a
program that is committed to running the football.’ BPs 325. On 131 carries rushed for
1441 yds and 21 TDs. On D had 95 tackles and five picks. Favors NEB (offer, ‘Many
players go pro. I like their coaching staff and their league is very competitive.’) over
SYRA (already visited, offer), PSU and BC (already visited, offer). ‘WIS and IOWA are
also recruiting me hard.’ 2.8/fall first-time test.”

Tom Lemming:

“The top prospect in the state of Massachusetts and one of the nation’s finest RB
prospects. Last season Diamond carried the ball 100 times for 1440 yds and 21 TDs
showing excellent instincts, a quick first couple of steps and great vision. Has extremely
quick feet and runs the zone play to perfection. Plays in the same program that produced
former PFR A.A. Omar Easy, a pack who is now at Penn State. On film Diamond shows
better instincts and better moves than Omar had. He is a big game player who had 240
yds in the state championship game. Just terrific instincts. Benches 315. His GPA is
around a 2.5. Lists BC, OH STATE, SYRACUSE, PENN STATE, MI and WI. He is
also a standout FS on defense.”

PrepStar:

"This RB is a diamond in the rough as he averages 16.3 ypc. He has received offers from Syr, BC and Neb, who all must be impressed with his combination of strength and speed. He benches 315, squats 580 and has a 40t of 4.48. Diamond had 1,550 yds and 18 TDs on only 95 carries to earn MVP and GBL All-Star honors. 84 solos / 4 INTs on D."
 
 
 
 
  Post-Season
  
SuperPrep:

“'He's got good quickness, instincts and vision. Has good power but not great speed,' said one RC. BPs 325. Diamond favors SYRA (12/10, program on rise, likes tradition, NFL pipeline) just slightly over IOWA (12/17, likes facilities) and both lead IU (1/21), Ohio State (1/17, 'They already have some RBs committed.') and TENN (expects to visit). All faves offered plus. Final stats: 140 carries/1650 yds/26 TDs/4 receiving TDs; 80 tackles/3 picks. "NEB canceled my trip 12/17 and pulled my offer so I set up my IOWA trip.' 2.8/780/Jan 22 retake.”

Tom Lemming:

“The top prospect in the state of Massachusetts and one of the nation's finest RB prospects. This season Diamond carried the ball 132 times for 1600 yards and 27 TDs. On defense he totaled 50 tackles, 2 picks and broke up 6 passes. He shows great instincts and tremendous moves. A big game ball palyer who had 240 yds in the state championship game in '98. His GPA is around 2.5"

PrepStar:

"Diamond is his real name. His mother named that because he is her diamond. Now he is
also valuable to college coaches. Ferri rushed for over 1,600 yds and 26 TDs in 140
carries. An impressive combination of strength and speed. Tenn, Syr, BC, Neb, Ohio St,
Ind, Iowa and Notre Dame are among those that have made offers.”

 		 
 
 
 
  The Mole says . . .
  
Diamond was a guy that SU wanted from day one. He doesn't have the speed of Walter Reyes or Troy Swittenburg, but he is an elusive back more in the mold of James Mungro. Along with Reyes and Swittenburg, Ferri completes a runningback class as good as any in recent memory for Syracuse. Diamond is not yet qualified, but at this point he is in much better shape than Reyes and well within striking distance. One of the top five prospects to sign with Syracuse this year along with Reyes, Johnnie Morant, Jared Jones and Jeremy McCorkle.