St. Frances (MD) defensive end Jonathan Kingsley is the latest Syracuse commit in the team’s 2017 class. Last week Kingsley came on Fizz Radio to discuss his relationships with the SU staff, his move from Nigeria to the US and his limited football experience.
On his recruitment with the Orange
“We got in touch last year, my first football season when I was playing in North Carolina and I got closer to the staff. I’ve come up there to visit a couple of times. I really like the atmosphere there.”
On Dino Babers
“We’ve met a couple of times, shook hands and talked about a commitment. We talked a couple of times when I went up there.”
On why he chose SU
“I tell people this all the time, regardless of the number of offers you have, you’ll only have one school that you’re comfortable with, where you want to go to. I felt really good and comfortable when I went up to Syracuse to visit…I’m one hundred percent in. I’m all in.”
On being recruited despite only having two years of football experience (Kingsley moved to the US from Nigeria two years ago)
“I had never played football in my life. The only sports I played in Nigeria were soccer and basketball. I just started playing football last year…I’m really honored for all of these schools to be after me for football. I do a lot of work and watch a lot of film everyday to better myself at my craft. I know I don’t have as much experience as other people. I watch football for a part of the day, work out for the rest of it, to catch up to where I’m supposed to be at.”
On his first high school game in the United States
“My first game, for the first two quarters, I was really lost. I didn’t know what I was doing really. After I came out in the second half, it was a totally different game. The coaches told me how to adjust better.”
On his interest in football
“I wanted to try football. When I was in Nigeria I heard about football. I wanted to play, but didn’t get the chance to. We don’t play football in Nigeria…I got really interested in it because I really like to hit people. I like how it’s a game where you can hit people and not get yelled at.”
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Posted: Connor Morrissette
