Syracuse football gets wide receiver transfer and more recruiting updates

The Syracuse football program used the transfers portal to add depth to the wide receiver position. CJ Hayes has announced he will transfer from Michigan State to the Orange to pursue his master’s degree after his recent official visit.

According to ESPN, CJ is 6-foot-2, 205 pounds and had limited production stats at Michigan State but spent the past couple of years dealing with injuries and a position move. I’m also a big believer in not reading too much into stats sometimes because a new school or system could be what they need to be utilized better or be more comfortable.

Hayes will provide experience and leadership as well as healthy competition along with other new faces to the position. Syracuse football struggled last season in the passing game and I’m glad to see them not resting on those laurels and pursuing options at the receiver and quarterback position.

And speaking of the quarterback position, not only did Syracuse secure the commitment of Michigan transfer Dan Villari recently but also there is a new name to watch for: LaNorris Sellers.

Sellers previously committed to Virginia but with Coach Bronco Mendenhall’s resignation and Coach Anae and Coach Beck joining the Syracuse football staff, he opened up his recruitment and Syracuse football has offered. Sellers is a high school recruit who could provide competition for the position or maybe even redshirt and be the future for the team after Villari and Shrader are gone.

Syracuse football is faring quite well in the transfer portal of late.

Also, keep an eye out for one more transfer who could be visiting or deciding soon and has a Syracuse football offer. Dartmouth CB Isiah Johnson is also a grad transfer who could provide experience and depth and according to 247Sports’ Stephen Bailey has a visit scheduled the weekend of January 24 to the Syracuse campus.

My overall philosophy on recruits or transfers is that I don’t care what you did somewhere or where you’re coming from…welcome to Syracuse and let’s see how things work out. You decided you want to play for the Orange and therefore I’m rooting for you to be successful.

Sometimes 5 stars from big schools don’t pan out and sometimes 2-star athletes like Chandler Jones excel and have successful college and pro careers. Either way, I’m a fan of this team and trust the coaches know what they’re looking for better than I do, and I can’t wait to see how it all pans out in 2022.