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Syracuse DB transfer Marcellus Barnes commits to SMU over Kentucky

On3 imageby:Billy Embody•about 13 hours•

BillyEmbody

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Sep 20, 2024; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange defensive back Marcellus Barnes Jr. (7) celebrates a defensivee play against the Stanford Cardinal during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Syracuse defensive back transfer Marcellus Barnes announced on Twitter on Friday he’s committed to SMU over Kentucky. He’ll have four years to play three seasons of eligibility remaining.

The Wildcats were expecting to host him this weekend, but SMU cornerbacks coach Rickey Hunley’s push paid off with one of the best transfers in the country committing to SMU. Barnes is ranked by On3 as the No. 123 overall player and No. 16 cornerback in the transfer portal.

Injuries limited the 6-foot corner to only five games for the Orange in 2024. The Chattanooga native had 11 tackles and three passes defended. Still, he’s got a bright future and the Mustangs land a much-needed secondary addition.

According to Pro Football Focus, Barnes only allowed three receptions for 37 yards as a true freshman this season.

Marcellus Barnes was a four-star, blue-chip talent in the 2024 recruiting class. The No. 305 player and No. 28 cornerback in the On3 Industry Ranking made headlines when he announced his commitment to Syracuse at the All-American Bowl. Barnes originally committed to Georgia before deciding to follow Fran Brown to upstate New York. The On3 Industry Ranking is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

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To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Stay tuned to On The Pony Express for more on the transfer portal and who could be next to commit with Marcellus Barnes now on board.

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