The Syracuse University football team has been making noise in the college football world after they announced Fran Brown as their new head coach who is also a New Jersey native. Orange fans feel as if the hiring of Brown has opened new doors for the program, but his hiring may just also signify the beginning of Syracuse becoming the home of the many sought after recruits in the New Jersey area.
The weekend of December 10th was an important one for Syracuse football as it was the first time that the school would be hosting athletes on their official visit with Brown under the helm. The weekend was a huge score for Brown as he landed his first three commitments as head coach with all three of them coming from New Jersey, including the top ranked player in the state by Rivals, Yasin Willis, who all flipped from other schools.
Yasin Willis
The Montvale native is highly regarded as one of the best running backs in his class and the stats back that up. The 6 '1 senior has put up 1,000+ rushing yards in multiple seasons and ended his high school career with 2,821 yards and 38 touchdowns. This year, his skill set helped lead St. Joseph Regional to the non-public state quarterfinals where they fell to Seton Hall Prep. Willis has also been a member of the SFC All-League 1st team and looks to make some noise in the ACC.
He is surely bound to do so as Brown has made it clear that the run game for Syracuse will be a big emphasis as head coach. Willis possesses the skills to do so as he is able to block defenders and has the ability to outrun anyone. Willis previously committed to the University of Pittsburgh in July of 2023, but decommitted December 10th, the same day he announced his commitment to Syracuse University.
Jaylan Hornsby
Syracuse lands another top 10 player from New Jersey in Hornsby, as the 6 ‘3 Atco native is the 8th ranked recruit in the 2024 class. In his senior season, he had 420 yards and eight touchdowns from 22 receptions in eight games played. Hornsby will be able to slot in nicely with the returning wide receivers next year at Syracuse, as the position at Syracuse has taken great strides in the past few seasons. Hornsby helped to lead a talented Winslow team to the section championship, but fell just short of the state title as they fell in the state semifinals to Mainland.
Hornsby is a great addition to the Orange as he is a wide receiver who knows how to get open and can win battles in the end zone. He previously committed to Texas A&M University in July of 2023, but decommitted on December 10th, the same day he committed to Syracuse.
Jahide Lesaine Jr
Brown locked up his first defensive recruit in Lesaine Jr. ,who is a three star DE/TE from Irvington. Lesaine is exactly what Brown is looking for in order to improve the run game on the defensive side. The 6 ‘5 senior is a burst of energy from the snap and can quickly get past the offensive line to get to the ball carrier. He’s especially good at pressuring the quarterback and can tally up the sacks. Syracuse is lucky to have him on their side, because he will be a menace in the ACC next season.
Irvington fell in the sectional semifinals this year, but Lesaine’s impact on the field didn’t go unnoticed as he was named an All-State player. Lesaine previously committed to Kent State on December fourth and switched his commitment only six days later to the Orange.
Brown is looking to build an empire at Syracuse and these three commitments are just the beginning. Don’t be too surprised if in the coming years more and more New Jersey natives commit to Syracuse, because the hometown ties that Brown has will surely play a factor.
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