Brooks Randolph’s first trip to Syracuse left the 2028 quarterback with a clear takeaway: the Orange made a strong impression.
Randolph, who was on campus in June for 7v7 Camp, got an up-close look at the program while his Springfield (VA) St. James Academy team won the championship. The visit checked a lot of boxes for the rising quarterback.
“I came away really impressed with the program,” Randolph said to The Juice Online. "You can tell there’s a strong culture, everyone was welcoming, and it’s clear the coaches have a vision for where they want to take the team. I was very impressed with the facilities and the visit definitely left a great impression on me.”
Syracuse was one stop on a busy camp circuit that also included Tennessee, JMU, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Harvard, among others, but Randolph said the SU stop stood out.
“The competition was high, and I felt like I was able to learn while also competing against some talented players,” Brooks said. "It was one of my favorite camps I’ve been to and it will definitely be a lasting memory.”
Winning the championship added to the day for Randolph, who said the result made the experience even better.
“Anytime you can compete at a high level and come out on top, it’s rewarding,” Randolph said. "I was proud of how our team played together, and it made the experience even better.”
After the title run, Randolph met with several Syracuse coaches, including Alex Kelly, Fran Brown and Sean Ryan. The conversation covered his recruiting process, and the staff made sure to keep tabs on him moving forward.
"We talked about my recruiting process, exchanged X accounts, they measured and weighed me, and they told me they want to see my highlights from the first 1-3 weeks of the season,” Randolph said. "It was great getting to know them a little better and hearing that they’re interested in following my progress this fall.”
Randolph’s St. James Academy program has been one of Virginia’s top teams, finishing the 2025 season 8-1. He’s expected to take on a larger role this fall, and he’s already focused on showing he can do more than just flash arm talent.
“I want to show that I’m a complete quarterback,” Randolph said. "I’m looking to lead my team, make good decisions, be accurate, extend plays when I need to, and win in big moments. Ultimately I hope to prove that I can consistently perform at a high level.”
He also described himself as a quarterback who puts the team first and embraces pressure.
“I take a lot of pride in my preparation and I aim to bring the best out of my teammates,” Randolph said. "I have a high level of confidence and I thrive in pressured situations.”
In Other News...
Syracuse Is Suddenly In The Mix For A West Coast QB Prize
Syracuse has quietly jumped into the early chase for one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects on the West Coast, as offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon extended a scholarship offer to 2028 three-star Jaxson Carper of California. The rising signal-caller is already viewed as a top-30 quarterback in his class, and his recruitment is moving fast enough that the Orange are no longer just watching from the sidelines.
Carper already has 15 scholarship offers and is weighing Syracuse alongside a crowded group of suitors, with interest also coming from programs such as Arizona, UCLA, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Utah. He has also shown interest in getting to campus for a game-day visit, which would give Syracuse a chance to sell its offense and long-term plan before this race gets any more crowded. [Read more 🡒]
Chris Peal Faces A Huge Syracuse Camp Test Under Vince Kehres
Syracuse has finished its first week of training camp, and one of the early focal points is Chris Peal, the redshirt junior defensive back entering his second season in orange. He is stepping into a pivotal year under new defensive coordinator Vince Kehres, whose background has long been tied to developing NFL talent, and Peal has already started sorting through what that change means for the defense and for his own game.
For Peal, the camp stakes go well beyond another position battle or a new scheme to learn. He is expected to be one of the defenders who helps set the tone for Syracuse this fall, and the way he adapts to Kehres approach will be watched closely by everyone around the program. With his draft stock already drawing attention nationally, the upcoming weeks could go a long way toward defining just how high his ceiling really is. [Read more 🡒]
Syracuse Defense Is Giving Fans A Reason To Believe Again
Syracuses third fall training camp practice brought a familiar point of optimism back into focus, with defensive coordinator Vince Kehres and cornerback Chris Peal both taking turns talking up what the Orange might be building on that side of the ball. Kehres, who arrived from Toledo, has quickly made it clear he expects a defense that can hold up as a unit, while Peal, a preseason All-ACC selection, has been one of the players setting the tone as the new scheme starts to take shape.
For Syracuse fans, the appeal is obvious. A defense that looks connected early in camp can change the feel of a season, especially when it includes a corner like Peal, who is not only important to the Orange now but also viewed as a potential NFL draft prospect. The bigger question is how smoothly the group keeps adjusting to Kehres system once the real pressure starts, and whether the early confidence translates into the kind of play that gives this program something lasting to build on. [Read more 🡒]