2026 4-star ATH Demetres Samuel, Jr. commits to Syracuse: 'Coach Fran is building an SEC type program at Syracuse'

Syracuse offered Demetres Samuel, Jr. on Feb. 24. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound four-star out of Palm Bay (Fla.) Heritage is still a sophomore, so communication is limited, but the Orange pushed all the right buttons since they offered.

The staff stayed in contact with Samuel’s coach. They checked in regularly about grades, life and athletics. Fran Brown and the coaches at Syracuse established a relationship before getting Samuel and his family on campus this weekend.

Samuel got that feeling about Syracuse quickly

After being on campus 24 hours, Samuel committed to Syracuse.

“I got there Wednesday and I told them on Thursday that I was committing,” Samuel told On3. “When Syracuse offered, I didn’t know anything about them. The way they recruited me caused them to grow on me. Then I got on campus, saw the environment, spent time with the coaches and I made my decision.”

Last week, Samuel was at Florida. He left the Swamp with the Gators high on his list. Syracuse beat out the Gators, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa State for the No. 150 prospect in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking.

“Coach Fran is building an SEC type of program at Syracuse. I watched practice on Thursday and I love the environment and what the coaches and players are doing. Coach Fran is changing the program. Everything is evolving at Syracuse and that is why I committed to them.”

Syracuse likes Samuel as a cornerback first. He could return punts and be used on offense some as well. It is early, and he didn’t expect to commit this soon, but he is excited about his decision and looking forward to getting back to up-state New York.

“I am shocked that I committed to Syracuse,” Samuel said. “I didn’t expect it to happen. They offered about a month ago and I didn’t know much about them, but when I got into the environment, I made the decision.

“I love how the coaches coach hard, how they know their players and they want the best for them. Then Coach Fran has that vision. He is a coach that helps his players and I am excited about playing for him.”

Samuel has 14 offers and he plays basketball and runs track.