The Atlantic Coast Conference continues to rise in terms of prestige, especially in the college football sphere. From the rise of Florida State last season to the boom in recruiting from teams like Miami and the ‘Cuse, the outlook appears to be more and more competitive heading into the 2024 season. But for Fran Brown and company, sometimes the best offense is a good defense. In this case, the Orange improved by snatching a player from a conference rival, but not in the way that you may think.
Last week, Syracuse football landed three-star recruit Wyatt Bowman, a tight end who played in high school at Georgetown Prep just outside of Washington D.C. The strange part though, Bowman was already committed as a five-star recruit to the University of North Carolina, except instead of football, it was for lacrosse.
Now I know what you’re thinking, why would anyone pass up an opportunity to be a top recruit in lacrosse? Well, for Bowman, his passion has always lied on the gridiron, according to 247 Sports.
“My whole life I’ve played both but I was really focused on lacrosse coming from a lacrosse powerhouse,” Bowman said. “Coming down here to Georgetown Prep really gave me an opportunity to play both and see what I can do… It was definitely a long, hard and thoughtful process. But I’m definitely extremely excited with the decision I made.”
Bowman, who joins an already impressive roster of Class of 2025 recruits, measures in at 6’5” and 180 pounds. His lacrosse background gives him a large amount of athleticism, which can be utilized in a vertical offense under offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon. On his visit to the 315, Bowman knew it was the place he’d want to be.
“On my official visit, went up there and it was really just the combination of DART, what the coaches were putting out and saying, and then the players,” Bowman said. “Relaying that and putting it into action. I saw that it wasn’t just them saying it, it was genuine. Meeting all the coaches, they were phenomenal people. I love Coach Brown. I love Coach Johnson. Love the whole staff. I got to know on a personal level. They’re really good, competitive, genuine people.”
Fran Brown continues to dominate on the recruiting boards, and lacrosse head coach Gary Gait might just owe him one for taking a top-ranked prospect off of a competitor’s roster. Is there future lacrosse in the cards for Bowman? Maybe, but for now, it’s another piece to come in place for the future of Syracuse football.
