2028 ATH Evan Truesdale is already feeling comfortable around Syracuse, and the Orange staff has made sure that connection keeps growing.
The Binghamton (NY) Chenanago Forks High standout is heading into his junior year and has already been back and forth to Central New York, with June’s Franchise Camp giving him another look at the program. He’ll be back again in the fall, when Syracuse hosts Louisville on Oct. 17, so he can take in a game day atmosphere.
Truesdale said Syracuse’s linebacker development stands out to him because of the way the Orange train players to be “physical, play fast, and read the field.” That approach, in his view, lines up with his own style and the kind of linebacker he wants to become.
His June 11 visit also gave him a chance to work directly with the Syracuse staff, and that part clearly left an impression.
"I really enjoyed the camp and getting a chance to work with the Syracuse coaches,” Truesdale said. “One thing I took away from it personally was that I wasn’t satisfied with my combine/testing numbers.
"I knew speed and explosiveness were areas I wanted to improve, so after camp I started working with a speed coach on my acceleration, change of direction and overall movement. I’ve put a lot of work into it this summer and I feel like I’ve made a big improvement. I’m excited to show that on the field this season."
One of the coaches he connected with was Charles Watkins, and that relationship has carried beyond camp. Watkins was also the one who invited him back to campus.
"I thought he was a genuinely good person,” Truesdale said. "I really enjoyed talking with him and getting to know him, and I’ve really enjoyed building a relationship with him since then.”
The conversations haven’t stopped at casual introductions, either. Truesdale said the two have talked about his game, his development, his upcoming season, and where he might fit in Syracuse’s program.
"We’ve talked about football, my development, my upcoming season, and how I could potentially fit into the program,” Truesdale said. "I really want to connect with the coaching staff, continue building those relationships, and get to see the team play together and experience the game-day environment at Syracuse.”
He’s also eager to see what Syracuse looks like this season after a 3-9 finish in 2025. Truesdale said he “absolutely” believes the Orange are headed for a better year.
"I think they have the talent and coaching to have a much better season,” Truesdale said. "I’m excited to see what they can do.”
Syracuse, for its part, is monitoring Truesdale closely as he prepares for the fall. He said his biggest jump has come as a leader, pointing to the way he’s pushed teammates in practice while continuing to improve his own speed, strength, and explosiveness.
"I think my biggest improvement has been as a leader,” Truesdale said. "I’ve been able to push my teammates to compete harder in practice and help them develop as players, while also improving my own speed, strength, and explosiveness.”
Truesdale plays both linebacker and running back, but Syracuse is recruiting him on defense. He describes himself as a downhill, physical defender who attacks the ball, can handle work in the box, and is comfortable in coverage, especially over the middle.
"I’m a physical, downhill player who plays fast and attacks the ball,” Truesdale said. "I can make plays in the box, cover well in space, and I’m especially comfortable in coverage over the middle.”
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