This Saturday marks one of many beginnings in the Fran Brown era: the Syracuse Spring Game. After a hectic offseason of transfers and recruiting, followed by spring practices, Orange fans get to see what the on-field product looks like. And, reports indicate that there’ll be more SU fans than normal.
Many are excited to see Kyle McCord throw in an Orange uniform, while Duce Chestnut’s return is also a key storyline. However, there are plenty of other players to keep an eye out for.
Yasin Willis – Freshman RB
While LeQuint Allen is the star of the backfield, there’s plenty more talent there, namely freshman running back Yasin Willis.
Originally committed to Pittsburgh, Willis changed course once Fran Brown took over the Orange. That’s quite the score, too. Willis is a three-star recruit, and was the top rated player in his class in the entire state of New Jersey.
He enrolled early, in January, to participate in spring practices and the Syracuse Spring Game, and he’s been turning heads already. That’s partly due to his 6’1”, 215 pound frame.
“Yasin is definitely a big freshman,” said fellow Syracuse running back Juwaun Price. “You’re going to see what he’s able to do soon.”
Da’Metrius Weatherspoon – Redshirt Junior OT
Speaking of size, that’s what Howard transfer Da’Metrius Weatherspoon brings to the table. He’s 6’7” and weighs 335 pounds. He’s tied for the tallest guy on the team, and is the tallest lineman.
The fact that Weatherspoon comes from Howard, an FCS school, might scare some people off. However, he absolutely dominated there, being named to an HBCU First Team All-American last season. Plus, the FCS is nothing to sneeze at.
“A lot of people want to discredit FCS,” said SU guard Joe More, “but he’s played some really good teams in his time, and it shows when he’s on the field. He’s in a position where he can immediately come help the team.”
Ta’Ron Haile – Freshman WR
This is by far the most under-the-radar name on the list. It’s a busy wide receiver room with two Georgia transfers, a hopefully healthy Trebor Pena, plus other returners like Donovan Brown, Umari Hatcher, and Darrell Gill Jr. Still, Haile should get his chances to shine.
Haile is a three-star recruit, and his rankings hovered around 20th overall in New Jersey and 100th for wide receivers nationally.
The thing to know about Haile is his speed. He qualified for New Balance Nationals in track and field, which is quite the feat. There’s a reason 247’s James Finneral called him “a big play waiting to happen.” Hopefully, one of those plays happens in the Syracuse Spring Game.
