Syracuse made an early impression on 2028 defensive lineman Kayden Thompson, and the Florida prospect left Central New York with plenty to think about after his first visit to campus in June.
The Callahan (FL) West Nassau High standout first heard from the Orange in May, when Syracuse became the first Power 4 program to offer him. A month later, he was on campus for Franchise Camp, where he got a closer look at the program that had already jumped out in his recruitment.
“The camp was great,” Thompson said to The Juice Online. “Definitely a competitive atmosphere.”
That visit gave Thompson a chance to see more than just the field. He spent time around the campus and facilities and worked directly with the coaching staff and players. Two of the coaches he connected with most were defensive line coaches John Scott Jr. and Jeremy Hawkins.
“Working with coaches Scott and Hawkins was a good experience,” Thompson said. “They helped me improve my game.”
The conversations weren’t limited to drills and reps. Thompson said the staff also talked with him about football and his development, including areas he can keep building on as he heads toward the 2026 season.
What stood out just as much as the coaching was the environment around the program.
“The campus and facilities were top notch,” Thompson said.
Syracuse has kept in steady contact since the offer, especially now that the contact period has opened for the 2028 class. The Orange have also talked to Thompson about the Florida-to-Central New York pipeline, with Sunshine State recruits making up the largest share of Syracuse’s 2026 and 2027 commitments.
That connection matters in Thompson’s view, and it has helped put Syracuse in a strong position with him early on.
“Syracuse is in a good spot with me,” Thompson said. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know the coaches and the program.”
Thompson also holds an offer from UNC-Pembrook and said he’s hearing from plenty of other high-majors, but he’s not rushing anything.
“I’m still keeping an open mind and taking my time with the process,” Thompson said.
On the field, Thompson helped lead West Nassau to a 12-2 overall record in the 2025 season and earned honorable mention for the All-Northeast Florida team. He describes his game as a defensive lineman as “violent.”
Said Thompson: “Always looking for success and improvement."
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