The University of North Carolina is closing in on academic probation after multiple reports claimed in 2014 that the school had been offering “fake” classes to student athletes. As a result, UNC is now raising the bar to admit its athletes.
Florida safety and ex-Tar Heel commit James Pierre did not meet the school’s academic qualifications by this year’s National Signing Day and was forced to reopen his recruitment, per his high school coach.
Today, he pledged to SU.
Following the rejection from the Tar Heels, Pierre made a call to Syracuse secondary coach Nick Monroe, according to Scout.com. When Monroe and the rest of SU’s football staff was still in Ohio with Bowling Green they had offered Pierre. It’s that connection that helped Syracuse land the safety.
Pierre also told Scout that the SU staff believes he can play right away. Standing at 6’2’’ will certainly help Pierre in the race for playing time, but he’s got some work to do. Rodney Williams, Chauncey Scissum, Antwan Cordy and Kielan Whitner are all returning at safety for the Orange.
In the 2016 class there are multiple safeties as well. Evan Foster, Devon Clarke (who told the Fizz he thinks he can play right away too), and Scoop Bradshaw will all be vying to get on the field as underclassmen.
Pierre is a player Syracuse fans should be excited about though. During his initial recruitment, he had offers from Miami, Louisville, Mississippi State, Tennessee, South Carolina and Wisconsin.
He’s clearly got some talent.
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Posted: Connor Morrissette
