SWC75
Bored Historian
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DEFENSIVE BACKS
Seniors: #8 Justin Barron 6-4 225 (231), #5 Alijah Clark 6-1 187 (1986), Clarence Lewis 6-0 201
Juniors: #29 Berry Buxton III 6-2 200 (205), #0 Duce Chestnut 6-0 200 (205), #23 Devin Grant 6-4 199 (190), #39 Clay Masters 5-11 183 (182), #40 Tommy Porter 5-11 196 (202), #34 Nate Prater 5-9 180, #37 Cam Reirden 6-0 176 (187)
Sophomores: #1 Jayden Bellamy 5-11 174 (180), #27 Calvin Fowler 6-2 180, #32 Gregory Delaine 6-0 174 (180), #11 Jaeden Gould 6-2 209 (205), #17 Jalil Martin 6-2 192 (190), #19 Cornell Perry 6-1 187 (192), #31 Marcus Washington Jr. 6-1 189 (185)
Freshmen: #7 Marcellus Barnes Jr. 6-1 180 (165), #25 Davien Kerr 6-0 184 (182), #26 Braheem Long Jr. 6-0 176 (170), #24 Ibn McDaniels 6-3 199 (195),
Our defense calls itself “The mob” and we have a mob of D-backs: 22. But then we have 5 positions for them to compete for. Still, I’m not sure there’s an Andre Cisco, Iffy Melafonwu or Trill Williams among them. We’ll see.
Justin Barron ties Marlowe Wax for the most experienced player on the team: “Has appeared in 49 games with 34 starts at defensive back ... Enters the 2024 season ranked 15th in program history for tackles by a defensive back (201) ... Converted from wide receiver to defensive back to help the team’s depth in 2020 ... Has 201 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 11 pass breakups, one interception, three forced fumbles and two fumble recovery in his career.” He was a 3 star from Connecticut. I remember Justin being lauded as the most versatile athlete on the team when he came here, with the ability to play multiple positions on each side of the ball. He became a DB because that was our need in that injury-plagued season. Now he’s renown as the toughest hombre on the team, playing most of last season one-handed with a cast on his right hand, which had been broken early on. He’s sort of an extra linebacker at his size, (6-4 225), which allows SU to experiment with a 4-2-5 concept. “In 2023, Barron was the highest-graded safety in the ACC according to PFF”, (247). He was going to transfer:
MSN
Let’s give Justin a highlight film:
Alijah Clark is another senior leader. He transferred here from Rutgers to join his childhood friend, Duce Chestnut, who then transferred to LSU. Now Duce is back and they are together again. Both were 4-stars out of…Camden, New Jersey! That is, until they came here. Duce is now listed on 247 as a 3-star both as a high school recruits and a transfer, (even though he was lauded as the highest rated recruit we’d had in a decade), and Alijah is listed as a 4-star, (except ESPN gave him only 3), HS recruit, (who went to Rutgers) and a 3 star transfer, (when he came here). “Has appeared in 32 collegiate games with 126 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and five pass breakups across the two schools.” (Cuse.com) Nunes: “Clark will get the starting nod at safety alongside his high school teammate and incoming transfer Duce Chestnut. The senior highlights one of the most experienced positions on the roster and should feed off the energy that DBs Chestnut and Justin Barron will provide. Clark finished second in tackles amongst defensive backs last year and should remain effective in 2024.”
Clarence Lewis transferred here from Notre Dame, where he, “appeared in all 13 games as a reserve piece for the Fighting Irish, collecting nine tackles, three pass breakups, and one 33-yard pick-six… Lewis has two years of starting experience in South Bend and has steadily been CB1 since the start of fall camp. A late 5th-year transfer like him is usually promised significant playing time and that’s exactly what it looks like Clarence will get in the SU 4-2-5 defense.” (Nunes) He was a 3-star from…Edison, New Jersey. He should be a very inventive DB. He, Barron and Clark give us a very experienced core in the defensive backfield – but also necessitate recruiting for when they leave at the end of the season.
Berry Buxton III came here from junior college. He was a 3-star, (Per 247: Rivals and ESPN didn’t rate him at all), from San Diego. He played in 9 games last year, mostly on special teams and made 2 tackles. Nunes: “After being kept on for the new year despite Fran Brown’s regime, Buxton will probably be able to maintain his role as a special teams contributor. Ideally, Buxton will be able to get more reps than just with the scout team.”
Duce Chestnut The prodigal returns! He came here advertised as our highest-rated recruit in a decade. After two good years here, Duce wanted to try the deep end of the pool by going to LSU and maybe compete for a national championship while getting on the NFL’s radar. It didn’t work out. He “Played only the first four games at LSU with six tackles and an interception.” (Nunes) Cuse.com: “Enters the 2024 season with career stats of: 28 games played, 89 tackles (63 solo), 4.0 tackles for loss, five interceptions, nine pass breakups and one touchdown.” He left the team at LSU before his redshirt year could be burned. I recall him as an exceptional open-field tackler who sometimes got burned in pass coverage. He played cornerback for us before but may be more comfortable at safety. Duce was “Four stars in the transfer portal by On3. Out of high school, four stars by Rivals, three stars everywhere else.” (Nunes) That was our highest rated recruit in ten years?
Devin Grant transferred here from Buffalo, which doesn’t sound promising. But he was 4-star recruit coming out of high school, (he’s a 3 star transfer), and, at 6-4, can cover those big receivers more and more teams have, (including us). “Enters the 2024 season with 21 games played, five interceptions, 88 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and a pair of blocked kicks.” (Cuse.com) He was first team All-MAC, which could translate to pretty good in the ACC. Nunes: “Cornerback is somewhat of a mystery right now for Fran Brown’s team. Grant seemed to be at the very least in the initial mix on the two-deep. A strong summer and fall practice could see him jump from the portal right into a starting spot for the Orange.”
Jayden Bellamy was last year’s Notre Dame transfer. He was a 3-star from New Jersey who came here before the Fran Brown Era began. Nunes: “Bellamy took over as one of Syracuse’s starting cornerbacks midway through the 2023 season. He appeared in 12 games (7 starts), totaling 29 tackles (23 SOLO), two fumble recoveries, a pick-six, and a pass breakup. His two fumble recoveries finished the year tied for third in the ACC and 18th nationally… The corner should continue to build off a strong Redshirt Freshman Year and make a major impact in the backfield for an Orange…Bellamy will likely get the start alongside Justin Barron, Alijah Clark, and Duce Chestnut.” At 5-11 174, he’ll get the short, fast guy and Devin Grant will get the big, tall guy.
Gregory Delaine is a 3-star, (“Four stars from ESPN, and three stars from 247 Sports and Rivals) from Florida, per Nunes: “Appeared in every game for the Orange, primarily on special teams. Delaine made one start at corner, the first of his college career, against Boston College in Week 10. He finished with 13 tackles, a pass breakup and an interception… For at least part of spring camp, Greg was looking to be in the lead for the CB2 spot. Early-enrollee Marcellus Barnes was also in the mix and seemed to have the edge in the final week, and both of them will also have to contend with Notre Dame transfer Clarence Lewis and returning starter (and also former Irishman) Jayden Bellamy. Delaine will get reps in, but I'd guess he is not in line to start at the moment.”
Jaeden Gould is, of all things, a 3-star transfer (4 out of high school except 3 from On3)) from New Jersey, another one who came here under Dino. He transferred here from Nebraska. Nunes: “Played every game, starting one. Recorded 19 total tackles with an interception… Given the excitement of the new players and high-profile returners, it can be easy to forgot the spark that Gould provided when he entered the game. He’s a great player to substitute in if the safety group needs a rest or a change of pace. Gould should feature regularly in the rotation, albeit first on the bench.”
Jalil Martin is a 3-star from New Jersey and another Nebraska transfer. He made 5 tackles in nine games last year. Nunes: “Martin will be looking to show the new coaching staff that he’s ready to claim a spot on the two-deep. He’ll also be in consideration for the special teams units.”
Cornell Perry is a 3-star from Michigan who played 10 games last year, mostly on special teams. Nunes: “In Perry’s first year as a full member of the team, he broke through and featured predominantly as a special teams asset, while also getting some reps as a backup defensive back. Perry appeared in 10 games and registered two total tackles…Perry has a high ceiling with his athleticism and game-reading, and new Head Coach Fran Brown appears to be a fan.“
Marcus Washington Jr. is a 4-star from Georgia who redshirted as a Bulldog last year but joined his coach, Fran Brown, in Syracuse for this year. Their loss, our gain and it could be a big one. Nunes: “Washington’s going to be in the mix for playing time in the secondary and on special teams this Fall. He’s another skill player with some impressive track performances in high school (10.7 in the 100m and 21 feet in the long jump). He’ll likely to break camp as part of the travel squad/two-deep for the Orange and is a player to watch.” UPDATE: “Defensive back Marcus Washington Jr. will undergo surgery to repair a torn bicep and will miss three to four months.”
Marcellus Barnes Jr. is another big time prospect, (of course, he’s a ‘Jr,’!). He’s a 4-star from Tennessee. A very detailed, if slightly dated 247 write-up: “Verified at 5-foot-11 plus and 165-pounds, appears to possess growth potential to add additional weight to his frame. Displays above average athleticism at the corner position. Exhibits some position versatility, showing the ability to play inside as a nickel corner and as an off ball safety in the deep third. Demonstrates good short area quickness and change of direction ability at the corner position. Shows the ability to plant and drive out of his back pedal. Possesses some slight hip stiffness and has a tendency to play high at times in man-to-man coverage. Displays good play and recovery speed showing the ability to play the deep part of the field. Appears to have average play strength but doesn’t lack willingness as a tackler in the open field or run support. Projects more to a zone scheme early on in his physical development as he continues to add weight to his frame. Accounted for five interceptions as a senior, flashing some ball skills and ball production when playing off ball. Projects to a Power Five multi-year starter at the next level that will need to add considerable weight to his frame before seeing considerable snaps on Saturdays. Possesses redeeming qualities including a 10.88 100-meter times that translates between the white lines. Has flashed some instincts in the short to intermediate part of the field as a nickel corner that could suggest that’s where his future is at the next level.”
Marcus is now 6-1 180 and has gotten faster, per Nunes: “According to multiple recruiting scouts, Barnes can play as a nickel corner and as an off-ball safety in the deep third. A bit on the lighter side at 6-1 170 lbs, however, 247Sports National Recruiting Analyst Cooper Petagna says, ‘[Barnes] appears to possess growth potential to add additional weight to his frame’. In addition to Barnes’ versatility on the field, he is also a two-time state qualifier in the 100-meter dash (10.54, 10.88). I expect Barnes to play special teams and, potentially, back up several of SU’s more veteran secondary players considering his track-like speed and lateral quickness.” Duce Chestnut told him: “You’re a great football player,” Chestnut said he tells Barnes. “Everybody gonna have something to say or try and push you or stuff, just be yourself. It’s gonna come to you easy.”:
MSN
I think he’ll be better than Duce Chestnut.
Braheem Long Jr. Is a 3-star from Camden, NJ. Cuse.com: “Rated as a three-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite rankings … Consensus top-50 player in New Jersey from all major recruiting sites and listed as the No. 28 prospect in the state by Rivals … Had five interceptions, including a pick six, also returned a fumble for a touchdown, had 46 tackles and 12 total touchdowns as a senior at Camden under head coach Rob Hinson … Finished his career with 12 interceptions and 16 touchdowns … Was a First Team All-South Jersey and an all-state selection … Team captain that led Camden to two conference championships … Also played basketball and ran track in high school, where he was a member of the conference champion 4x100-meter relay team.” Nunes: “Played corner and wide receiver for Camden last season. Long totaled 9 touchdowns (4 receiving, 3 returns and 2 defensive scores). He made 37 tackles and had 3 interceptions.”
Ibn McDaniels is a 4-star from…New Jersey. Nunes: “McDaniels was a textbook two-way player in high school, where he was a captain and starred at both DB and WR. McDaniels had 40 receptions for almost 700 yards on offense during his senior season. He also had 40 tackles, 3 picks, and a fumble recovery across his ten games…Although he was highly rated, McDaniels is still a raw prospect who will need time to adjust to the game at the highest level. He could likely put on a bit more weight and spend some time in the film room working on his game reading. If things go well, perhaps he could get some reps come the end of the season, but he will certainly have a part to play in the future.”
Clay Masters is a 2-star preferred walk on who made a couple of tackles last year. Cam Reirden walked on here rather than go to UMASS. He played on special teams against Wake Forest and South Florida in the bowl game. Tommy Porter is a walk-on from California. Nate Prater walked on from Tennessee. Those guys are all juniors, so we have some experienced walk-ons, whatever that means. Calvin Fowler is a walk-on from Duquesne he does have good size at 6-2 180. Davien Kerr is a freshman walk-on from Connecticut.
Seniors: #8 Justin Barron 6-4 225 (231), #5 Alijah Clark 6-1 187 (1986), Clarence Lewis 6-0 201
Juniors: #29 Berry Buxton III 6-2 200 (205), #0 Duce Chestnut 6-0 200 (205), #23 Devin Grant 6-4 199 (190), #39 Clay Masters 5-11 183 (182), #40 Tommy Porter 5-11 196 (202), #34 Nate Prater 5-9 180, #37 Cam Reirden 6-0 176 (187)
Sophomores: #1 Jayden Bellamy 5-11 174 (180), #27 Calvin Fowler 6-2 180, #32 Gregory Delaine 6-0 174 (180), #11 Jaeden Gould 6-2 209 (205), #17 Jalil Martin 6-2 192 (190), #19 Cornell Perry 6-1 187 (192), #31 Marcus Washington Jr. 6-1 189 (185)
Freshmen: #7 Marcellus Barnes Jr. 6-1 180 (165), #25 Davien Kerr 6-0 184 (182), #26 Braheem Long Jr. 6-0 176 (170), #24 Ibn McDaniels 6-3 199 (195),
Our defense calls itself “The mob” and we have a mob of D-backs: 22. But then we have 5 positions for them to compete for. Still, I’m not sure there’s an Andre Cisco, Iffy Melafonwu or Trill Williams among them. We’ll see.
Justin Barron ties Marlowe Wax for the most experienced player on the team: “Has appeared in 49 games with 34 starts at defensive back ... Enters the 2024 season ranked 15th in program history for tackles by a defensive back (201) ... Converted from wide receiver to defensive back to help the team’s depth in 2020 ... Has 201 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 11 pass breakups, one interception, three forced fumbles and two fumble recovery in his career.” He was a 3 star from Connecticut. I remember Justin being lauded as the most versatile athlete on the team when he came here, with the ability to play multiple positions on each side of the ball. He became a DB because that was our need in that injury-plagued season. Now he’s renown as the toughest hombre on the team, playing most of last season one-handed with a cast on his right hand, which had been broken early on. He’s sort of an extra linebacker at his size, (6-4 225), which allows SU to experiment with a 4-2-5 concept. “In 2023, Barron was the highest-graded safety in the ACC according to PFF”, (247). He was going to transfer:
MSN
Let’s give Justin a highlight film:
Alijah Clark is another senior leader. He transferred here from Rutgers to join his childhood friend, Duce Chestnut, who then transferred to LSU. Now Duce is back and they are together again. Both were 4-stars out of…Camden, New Jersey! That is, until they came here. Duce is now listed on 247 as a 3-star both as a high school recruits and a transfer, (even though he was lauded as the highest rated recruit we’d had in a decade), and Alijah is listed as a 4-star, (except ESPN gave him only 3), HS recruit, (who went to Rutgers) and a 3 star transfer, (when he came here). “Has appeared in 32 collegiate games with 126 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and five pass breakups across the two schools.” (Cuse.com) Nunes: “Clark will get the starting nod at safety alongside his high school teammate and incoming transfer Duce Chestnut. The senior highlights one of the most experienced positions on the roster and should feed off the energy that DBs Chestnut and Justin Barron will provide. Clark finished second in tackles amongst defensive backs last year and should remain effective in 2024.”
Clarence Lewis transferred here from Notre Dame, where he, “appeared in all 13 games as a reserve piece for the Fighting Irish, collecting nine tackles, three pass breakups, and one 33-yard pick-six… Lewis has two years of starting experience in South Bend and has steadily been CB1 since the start of fall camp. A late 5th-year transfer like him is usually promised significant playing time and that’s exactly what it looks like Clarence will get in the SU 4-2-5 defense.” (Nunes) He was a 3-star from…Edison, New Jersey. He should be a very inventive DB. He, Barron and Clark give us a very experienced core in the defensive backfield – but also necessitate recruiting for when they leave at the end of the season.
Berry Buxton III came here from junior college. He was a 3-star, (Per 247: Rivals and ESPN didn’t rate him at all), from San Diego. He played in 9 games last year, mostly on special teams and made 2 tackles. Nunes: “After being kept on for the new year despite Fran Brown’s regime, Buxton will probably be able to maintain his role as a special teams contributor. Ideally, Buxton will be able to get more reps than just with the scout team.”
Duce Chestnut The prodigal returns! He came here advertised as our highest-rated recruit in a decade. After two good years here, Duce wanted to try the deep end of the pool by going to LSU and maybe compete for a national championship while getting on the NFL’s radar. It didn’t work out. He “Played only the first four games at LSU with six tackles and an interception.” (Nunes) Cuse.com: “Enters the 2024 season with career stats of: 28 games played, 89 tackles (63 solo), 4.0 tackles for loss, five interceptions, nine pass breakups and one touchdown.” He left the team at LSU before his redshirt year could be burned. I recall him as an exceptional open-field tackler who sometimes got burned in pass coverage. He played cornerback for us before but may be more comfortable at safety. Duce was “Four stars in the transfer portal by On3. Out of high school, four stars by Rivals, three stars everywhere else.” (Nunes) That was our highest rated recruit in ten years?
Devin Grant transferred here from Buffalo, which doesn’t sound promising. But he was 4-star recruit coming out of high school, (he’s a 3 star transfer), and, at 6-4, can cover those big receivers more and more teams have, (including us). “Enters the 2024 season with 21 games played, five interceptions, 88 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and a pair of blocked kicks.” (Cuse.com) He was first team All-MAC, which could translate to pretty good in the ACC. Nunes: “Cornerback is somewhat of a mystery right now for Fran Brown’s team. Grant seemed to be at the very least in the initial mix on the two-deep. A strong summer and fall practice could see him jump from the portal right into a starting spot for the Orange.”
Jayden Bellamy was last year’s Notre Dame transfer. He was a 3-star from New Jersey who came here before the Fran Brown Era began. Nunes: “Bellamy took over as one of Syracuse’s starting cornerbacks midway through the 2023 season. He appeared in 12 games (7 starts), totaling 29 tackles (23 SOLO), two fumble recoveries, a pick-six, and a pass breakup. His two fumble recoveries finished the year tied for third in the ACC and 18th nationally… The corner should continue to build off a strong Redshirt Freshman Year and make a major impact in the backfield for an Orange…Bellamy will likely get the start alongside Justin Barron, Alijah Clark, and Duce Chestnut.” At 5-11 174, he’ll get the short, fast guy and Devin Grant will get the big, tall guy.
Gregory Delaine is a 3-star, (“Four stars from ESPN, and three stars from 247 Sports and Rivals) from Florida, per Nunes: “Appeared in every game for the Orange, primarily on special teams. Delaine made one start at corner, the first of his college career, against Boston College in Week 10. He finished with 13 tackles, a pass breakup and an interception… For at least part of spring camp, Greg was looking to be in the lead for the CB2 spot. Early-enrollee Marcellus Barnes was also in the mix and seemed to have the edge in the final week, and both of them will also have to contend with Notre Dame transfer Clarence Lewis and returning starter (and also former Irishman) Jayden Bellamy. Delaine will get reps in, but I'd guess he is not in line to start at the moment.”
Jaeden Gould is, of all things, a 3-star transfer (4 out of high school except 3 from On3)) from New Jersey, another one who came here under Dino. He transferred here from Nebraska. Nunes: “Played every game, starting one. Recorded 19 total tackles with an interception… Given the excitement of the new players and high-profile returners, it can be easy to forgot the spark that Gould provided when he entered the game. He’s a great player to substitute in if the safety group needs a rest or a change of pace. Gould should feature regularly in the rotation, albeit first on the bench.”
Jalil Martin is a 3-star from New Jersey and another Nebraska transfer. He made 5 tackles in nine games last year. Nunes: “Martin will be looking to show the new coaching staff that he’s ready to claim a spot on the two-deep. He’ll also be in consideration for the special teams units.”
Cornell Perry is a 3-star from Michigan who played 10 games last year, mostly on special teams. Nunes: “In Perry’s first year as a full member of the team, he broke through and featured predominantly as a special teams asset, while also getting some reps as a backup defensive back. Perry appeared in 10 games and registered two total tackles…Perry has a high ceiling with his athleticism and game-reading, and new Head Coach Fran Brown appears to be a fan.“
Marcus Washington Jr. is a 4-star from Georgia who redshirted as a Bulldog last year but joined his coach, Fran Brown, in Syracuse for this year. Their loss, our gain and it could be a big one. Nunes: “Washington’s going to be in the mix for playing time in the secondary and on special teams this Fall. He’s another skill player with some impressive track performances in high school (10.7 in the 100m and 21 feet in the long jump). He’ll likely to break camp as part of the travel squad/two-deep for the Orange and is a player to watch.” UPDATE: “Defensive back Marcus Washington Jr. will undergo surgery to repair a torn bicep and will miss three to four months.”
Marcellus Barnes Jr. is another big time prospect, (of course, he’s a ‘Jr,’!). He’s a 4-star from Tennessee. A very detailed, if slightly dated 247 write-up: “Verified at 5-foot-11 plus and 165-pounds, appears to possess growth potential to add additional weight to his frame. Displays above average athleticism at the corner position. Exhibits some position versatility, showing the ability to play inside as a nickel corner and as an off ball safety in the deep third. Demonstrates good short area quickness and change of direction ability at the corner position. Shows the ability to plant and drive out of his back pedal. Possesses some slight hip stiffness and has a tendency to play high at times in man-to-man coverage. Displays good play and recovery speed showing the ability to play the deep part of the field. Appears to have average play strength but doesn’t lack willingness as a tackler in the open field or run support. Projects more to a zone scheme early on in his physical development as he continues to add weight to his frame. Accounted for five interceptions as a senior, flashing some ball skills and ball production when playing off ball. Projects to a Power Five multi-year starter at the next level that will need to add considerable weight to his frame before seeing considerable snaps on Saturdays. Possesses redeeming qualities including a 10.88 100-meter times that translates between the white lines. Has flashed some instincts in the short to intermediate part of the field as a nickel corner that could suggest that’s where his future is at the next level.”
Marcus is now 6-1 180 and has gotten faster, per Nunes: “According to multiple recruiting scouts, Barnes can play as a nickel corner and as an off-ball safety in the deep third. A bit on the lighter side at 6-1 170 lbs, however, 247Sports National Recruiting Analyst Cooper Petagna says, ‘[Barnes] appears to possess growth potential to add additional weight to his frame’. In addition to Barnes’ versatility on the field, he is also a two-time state qualifier in the 100-meter dash (10.54, 10.88). I expect Barnes to play special teams and, potentially, back up several of SU’s more veteran secondary players considering his track-like speed and lateral quickness.” Duce Chestnut told him: “You’re a great football player,” Chestnut said he tells Barnes. “Everybody gonna have something to say or try and push you or stuff, just be yourself. It’s gonna come to you easy.”:
MSN
I think he’ll be better than Duce Chestnut.
Braheem Long Jr. Is a 3-star from Camden, NJ. Cuse.com: “Rated as a three-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite rankings … Consensus top-50 player in New Jersey from all major recruiting sites and listed as the No. 28 prospect in the state by Rivals … Had five interceptions, including a pick six, also returned a fumble for a touchdown, had 46 tackles and 12 total touchdowns as a senior at Camden under head coach Rob Hinson … Finished his career with 12 interceptions and 16 touchdowns … Was a First Team All-South Jersey and an all-state selection … Team captain that led Camden to two conference championships … Also played basketball and ran track in high school, where he was a member of the conference champion 4x100-meter relay team.” Nunes: “Played corner and wide receiver for Camden last season. Long totaled 9 touchdowns (4 receiving, 3 returns and 2 defensive scores). He made 37 tackles and had 3 interceptions.”
Ibn McDaniels is a 4-star from…New Jersey. Nunes: “McDaniels was a textbook two-way player in high school, where he was a captain and starred at both DB and WR. McDaniels had 40 receptions for almost 700 yards on offense during his senior season. He also had 40 tackles, 3 picks, and a fumble recovery across his ten games…Although he was highly rated, McDaniels is still a raw prospect who will need time to adjust to the game at the highest level. He could likely put on a bit more weight and spend some time in the film room working on his game reading. If things go well, perhaps he could get some reps come the end of the season, but he will certainly have a part to play in the future.”
Clay Masters is a 2-star preferred walk on who made a couple of tackles last year. Cam Reirden walked on here rather than go to UMASS. He played on special teams against Wake Forest and South Florida in the bowl game. Tommy Porter is a walk-on from California. Nate Prater walked on from Tennessee. Those guys are all juniors, so we have some experienced walk-ons, whatever that means. Calvin Fowler is a walk-on from Duquesne he does have good size at 6-2 180. Davien Kerr is a freshman walk-on from Connecticut.
