Demetres Samuel Jr., a standout freshman for Syracuse, has announced his decision to return to the team for the upcoming season. This move comes after a remarkable freshman year where he showcased his potential as a key player for the Orange.
During an interview in Miami Gardens, Florida, Samuel confirmed his commitment to Syracuse, stating, “Me and Fran already had that conversation. I”m here. I”m trying to build something. I think next year we got a lot of talent coming in. I feel like we”re going to shock a lot of people next year.” This indicates his focus on contributing to the program”s growth rather than pursuing free agency.
While he refrained from discussing specifics regarding contract negotiations, Samuel indicated that he and head coach Fran Brown had already discussed his role and financial details, suggesting a clear understanding between them. Samuel has been a bright spot for the Orange this season, serving as one of four true freshmen to act as a game captain during a recent 38-10 defeat to Miami.
Last year, he was a significant part of what was deemed the largest freshman class in the nation, and Syracuse is expected to maintain a strong recruiting class, currently ranked 23rd nationally by 247 Sports. Samuel expressed confidence in the future of the program, saying, “I know what we have coming. I know Fran is a good coach. I just figure, “Why would I have to go anywhere?””
At just 17 years old, Samuel has made a considerable impact in one of college football”s Power-Four conferences. His performance has earned him recognition as one of 14 semifinalists for the prestigious Shaun Alexander Award, which honors the nation”s top freshmen. He is also in a strong position to be named a Freshman All-American following the season.
Coach Brown has consistently praised Samuel, indicating that he is on track to become a starter early in his career and highlighting his potential as a two-way player. Samuel has echoed this sentiment, regarding Brown as one of the best cornerbacks coaches in the country, further solidifying his belief that Syracuse is the right place for his development.
This season, Samuel has rarely left the field for Syracuse”s defense, ranking among the national leaders in defensive snaps. He entered the game against Miami tied for third in the conference for pass breakups. According to Pro Football, he holds one of the top fifteen grades for ACC cornerbacks. His tackling ability is also noteworthy, having missed only two tackles throughout the season. In the Miami game, he recorded five tackles, showcasing his impact on the defensive side.
Although his role on offense has been somewhat limited due to his defensive commitments, Samuel expressed satisfaction with the communication between him and Brown regarding his usage. “I think it”s both of us,” he said about the decision to limit his offensive involvement this season. “Me and him have pretty long talks. I want to be one of the first picks as a corner when I come out in the NFL Draft. The offense is struggling so that”s still in the back of my head, but we”re going to lock in on corner.”
