Syracuse, N.Y. - Syracuse is eyeing a promising addition to their football roster, as they pursue former Georgia recruit, Chace Calicut. This young talent, who faced legal challenges last summer, is now back on the radar for several top programs.
Calicut, a standout four-star recruit, initially committed to Georgia before an incident on July 6 put his future in question. He was involved in a drive-by shooting as the driver, though no one was harmed. The legal case against him was dismissed earlier this year, paving the way for renewed interest from major schools.
Syracuse is set to host Calicut on a recruiting visit this Friday. Known for his skills on the field, Calicut ranks among the top-15 prospects in his position for the 2026 class. If all goes well, he could be donning the Orange jersey this season.
The incident that brought Calicut into the spotlight involved charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, but these were dropped by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Houston. Since then, Syracuse's interest has intensified.
Calicut recently took to social media to announce Syracuse's scholarship offer, and shortly after, he signed with NETWORK, the agency representing Syracuse head coach Fran Brown and other team stars. Brown, who previously coached at Georgia, seems keen on bringing Calicut's talent to Syracuse.
The details surrounding the drive-by shooting are murky, but Calicut's attorney emphasized his commitment to turning over a new leaf. "The company you keep will get you in trouble," said Letitia Quinones-Hollins, highlighting the lessons Calicut has learned.
During the incident, Calicut was reportedly driving an SUV while another teen fired shots at classmates. Though no one was injured, the fear it instilled was real. Calicut admitted to being the driver and expressed remorse shortly after.
The altercation was rooted in a personal dispute, and the aftermath saw the tragic death of the shooter, Isaiah Phillip, at a separate event weeks later. Calicut, however, has not been linked to this subsequent incident.
Guidance from community leaders and proactive steps like enrolling in counseling and safety classes have been part of Calicut's journey since the incident. His efforts to address past mistakes reflect a commitment to personal growth and responsibility.
Calicut's transfer from North Shore High School and absence from the field last fall marked a turning point. Now, with Syracuse and Texas among his suitors, Calicut is ready to return to football.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 190 pounds, Calicut is versatile enough to play various positions in the secondary. ESPN ranks him as the No. 12 cornerback nationwide, drawing comparisons to former NFL star Kam Chancellor.
As Calicut prepares for his visits to Syracuse and Texas, his story is one of redemption and potential, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in his football career.