Earlier this week the Fizz sat down with 2017 Syracuse linebacker commit Isaiah McDuffie as well as his father and high school coach Steve McDuffie.
The two discuss where they stand with Syracuse following the firing of Scott Shafer, their reaction to SU football’s change in leadership and the other schools that are targeting McDuffie.
Right at the start of the conversation Steve McDuffie said his son plans to stick with the Orange even though the man that recruited him will no longer be leading the program.
“Our word and our commitment means something to us, so right now we believe that Syracuse is the best situation for [Isaiah] and we’re going to stick strong and firm to that commitment for the time being.”
Isaiah McDuffie echoed his father’s statement, but said he did not expect to hear that his future college coach had been let go.
“I was just confused honestly. It was just confusing to me, but you know, stuff happens.”
Even though Shafer won’t coach Isaiah, Steve McDuffie still credits Shafer with really selling the program to his family. It’s a big reason why they are still pro-SU.
“It seemed like he really took the time to try and get to know the kids on a personal level…He told me, hey, I’m a father too; how about my wife and me and you and your wife sit down and we’ll have a conversation about what Syracuse is like.
Whoever SU’s next coach is will do well to keep Isaiah McDuffie’s commitment. The junior has many other Division I offers according to his father.
“We’ve had [a lot] of interest from a lot of schools. UConn, Penn State, University of Buffalo, Washington State and there was of course Syracuse and now Boston College has really, really come into the picture.
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Posted: Connor Morrissette
