A first Syracuse offer has given 2028 Long Island prospect Andrew Johnstone a boost, and the Patchogue-Medford High standout is making no secret of how much it meant.
Johnstone, a tight end, offensive lineman and defensive end, picked up the offer from Syracuse earlier in July after visiting campus in April for spring practice. The Orange staff had stayed in contact with him after that trip, and the relationship continued to build until the call from offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon.
"I am very happy and proud of the offer,” Johnstone said to The Juice Online. "It feels good to know that my hard work has paid off and my talent is getting recognized.”
Johnstone said the conversation with Nixon went smoothly and centered on what Syracuse sees in him as a player.
"The call with coach Nixon went very well,” Johnstone said. "He gave me an offer because he likes what he sees in me and he believes that I have the talent to play at next level for them.”
The two also talked about Johnstone’s offseason progress, and Nixon made it clear he wants to keep building the connection as the recruitment continues.
That interest fits right into the direction Fran Brown has pushed since arriving at Syracuse two seasons ago. One of Brown’s priorities has been recruiting the Northeast and keeping top New York talent close to home, a point underscored by 2027 running back Elijah Kimble, the Western New York native and No. 1 ranked player in the state, committing to the Orange.
Johnstone sees the logic in that approach.
"I think that Syracuse recruiting New York is a smart move,” he said. "I feel as if New York is an over looked state when it comes to football. New York has some players who can play at the next level.”
His April visit gave him a clearer picture of the program, too. Johnstone said he got time with position coaches, toured the facilities and learned what a practice schedule actually looks like.
"My spring practice went well,” Johnstone said. "I met with position coaches, toured facilities and learned more about what a practice schedule really looked like.”
That trip left him with a positive read on Syracuse, and he believes the Orange could be set for a much better year after finishing 3-9 in 2025.
"I think that the Syracuse program is up and coming,” Johnstone said. "I think after the off season they had they will sneak up on some teams this year.”
At 6-foot-6 and 267 pounds, Johnstone is being recruited by Syracuse and others as an offensive lineman, even though he lines up in multiple spots.
"Syracuse, along with other schools, view me as an athletic frame to put weight on and dominate in the trenches.”
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