Syracuse picked up commitment No. 17 Tuesday with the addition of linebacker Leroy Owens (Palatka, Fla./Palatka). The 6-foot-4, 205-pounder committed to the Orange over Arkansas and Georgia Southern."I feel like I can really help Syracuse out on defense," Owens said. "They have an improving program. I also like the coaching staff and they have tradition and very good academics."Owens still hasn't made his way to see Syracuse yet, but he's hoping that changes very soon."That's a different world for me," Owens said. "I really hope to get up there during the early part of the season. I can't wait. I think I will really enjoy it."Last season as a junior, Owens played middle linebacker and racked up 96 tackles, 10 sacks and had 10 pass breakups."I have good size and speed," Owens said. "I am a form tackler and play pretty well in coverage."