Syracuse Football Kicks Off Early Signing Day with a Bang: One of the Program’s Top Recruiting Classes Begins to Take Shape
Syracuse football is wasting no time making noise on Early National Signing Day. With letters of intent rolling in early this morning, the Orange are putting together one of the largest-and most highly ranked-recruiting classes in the program’s modern history. This is the kind of early momentum that can set the tone for a new era on the Hill.
Here’s a look at the signees so far, with updates coming in as the faxes (or, more accurately these days, the digital letters) arrive.
7:34 a.m. - ATH Darnell Stokes is officially Orange
Syracuse lands a versatile athlete in Darnell Stokes, the kind of player who can make an impact on either side of the ball. Whether he ends up in the secondary, at receiver, or somewhere in between, Stokes brings speed, instincts, and a competitive edge. This is the type of signing that gives a coaching staff options-and a reason to get creative.
7:32 a.m. - Edge rusher Jarius Rodgers signs
Rodgers is a physical edge defender with a high motor and a knack for disruption. Syracuse is clearly prioritizing pressure off the edge in this cycle, and Rodgers fits that mold. Look for him to push for early reps if he can translate his high school production to the college level.
7:30 a.m. - Offensive lineman Jojo White is in
Building from the trenches is always a smart move, and Jojo White adds more muscle to the Orange’s offensive front. At 6-foot-plus and carrying plenty of power, White brings the kind of size and technique that can help solidify the line for years to come.
7:25 a.m. - Tight end Carter Bashir signs
Bashir is a modern tight end-athletic, rangy, and a mismatch waiting to happen. He’s got the hands to be a weapon in the passing game and the frame to develop into a capable blocker. Syracuse is getting a potential difference-maker here, especially in red-zone packages.
7:23 a.m. - Defensive back Ibn Muhammad joins the class
Muhammad is a rangy, aggressive defensive back who plays with confidence and closing speed. Whether he lines up at corner or safety, he brings depth and upside to the Orange secondary. Expect him to be in the mix on special teams early, with a path to more responsibility down the line.
7:19 a.m. - OL Shemaj Henry signs
Henry adds more depth to the offensive line group, and he’s another big body with upside. Syracuse is clearly making a concerted effort to bulk up in the trenches, and Henry fits the bill. Development will be key, but the tools are there.
7:17 a.m. - Edge Kamron Wilson signs
Wilson is another edge defender who brings speed and twitch off the line. He’s a pass-rush specialist with room to grow, and pairing him with Rodgers gives Syracuse a promising duo of young bookends for the future.
7:14 a.m. - OL Javeion Cooper makes it official
Cooper is the third offensive lineman to sign this morning, reinforcing Syracuse’s commitment to building a sturdy foundation up front. With his size and physicality, Cooper has the potential to be a long-term contributor.
7:12 a.m. - Kicker Shay Barker signs
Special teams matter, and Syracuse just locked in a key piece with Barker. A reliable kicker can be the difference in close games, and Barker’s signing ensures the Orange have a strong leg in the pipeline.
7:08 a.m. - DL Alexander Haskel signs
Haskel adds more beef to the defensive front. He’s strong at the point of attack and shows promise as a run-stopper. Syracuse is clearly focusing on winning battles in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and Haskel fits right into that blueprint.
7:00 a.m. - The window officially opens
As of 7 a.m., letters of intent can start rolling in, and Syracuse hasn’t wasted a minute. With a flurry of early signings, the Orange are making a statement: they’re serious about building a roster that can compete.
Looking Ahead
This class is shaping up to be one of the most highly regarded in Syracuse’s modern recruiting history-dating back to when recruiting services began tracking rankings in the early 2000s. That’s no small feat for a program looking to climb back into national relevance.
It’s also worth noting that the transfer portal landscape has shifted. With just one window now-opening in early January-coaches will need to balance incoming freshmen with potential portal additions. But for now, it’s all about the high school talent, and Syracuse is off to a strong, strategic start.
Stay tuned as more names roll in. If this morning is any indication, it’s going to be a big day for the Orange.