Ervin Philips

Ervin Philips assured most people he would wait until he made his official visits before deciding on his college.

But on Sunday, a day after attending the Syracuse-Penn State game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Philips announce he'd already made his decision.

He's going to Syracuse.

Philips, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound back and one of Connecticut's best players, informed the masses of his decision at approximately 1 p.m. on Twitter.

I Am Proud To Announce That I Am Officially Commited To Syracuse University #CuseNation #OrangeMen I'm With The Orange !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🏈🍊🍊🙏
— Erv Philips (@Ambition1_) September 1, 2013

Philips, who is about to enter his fourth year as a starter, also had an offer from Temple and was receiving interest from several other schools. He had made unofficial visits to Syracuse and Temple. He had an official visit to Utah scheduled for Sept. 14.

After watching the Orange struggle offensively in its 23-17 loss to Penn State, averaging under 2 yards per carry in 36 attempts, Philips believed he'd fit in nicely.

"I think they could use some help on offense," he told our own Joe Morelli. "And I think I can definitely help them out."

He led the Westies in rushing last year with 1,054 yards and 22 touchdowns. West Haven was 8-2 and reached the Class LL quarterfinals where it lost to Staples.

The Westies have reached the playoffs twice over the last three seasons with Phillips in the lineup.

He's been a New Haven Register All-State back, a Levi Jackson team selection and a CHSCA all-stater.

He listed his 40-yard dash speed at 4.54 last year.

Philips is the third Connecticut back to commit to an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision program this year. NFA's Marcus Outlow is committed to Boston College. Ansonia back Arkeel Newsome committed to UConn.

Here's his junior year highlight tape: