The incoming Syracuse football class has been ranked highly the entire offseason. The freshman class, transfer class, and overall group have all hit high-water marks for the program in the modern era of recruiting rankings. In the last week, the Orange have been getting even more love.
Yesterday, ESPN put out a list of the best 55 players that transferred this spring. All the way up at number 23 is Justus Ross-Simmons. The Colorado State transfer is a true junior with lots of production so far. In his two years of college ball, the wide receiver has tallied 71 receptions for 1,148 yards and six touchdowns.
Ross-Simmons brings a little bit of everything. He’s 6’3” and 195 pounds, so size is far from a concern. The Rochester native is also quick, which rounds out a perfect combination of traits to be a downfield threat for the ‘Cuse.
There’s plenty of competition in the Syracuse receiver room. Trebor Pena and All-American Oronde Gadsden are coming back from injuries, while SU is also bringing in two WRs from Georgia. However, if Ross-Simmons is ranked this highly, he should have no problem getting looks from Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord.
Another ESPN article came out today, this time ranking the overall newcomer classes for the 2024 season. To no surprise, the Syracuse football class came in at number 22, sandwiched between perennial powerhouse programs in Penn State at number 21 and USC at number 23.
While Syracuse’s high-profile transfers like McCord and Texas A&M defensive lineman Fadil Diggs were highlighted, there were also some true freshmen noted. The one that sticks out is running back Yasin Willis. He’s 6’1” and 215 pounds, so while LeQuint Allen will still be a star, expect the freshman to compete for reps, particularly on short-field situations and near the goal line.
