This past week, Syracuse football freshman Demetres Samuel Jr. turned SEVENTEEN! That is not a typo. Yes, he started spring practice as a 16-year-old and is still too young to vote but not too young to make an impact on the field.
Blessed to be 17 today🙏🏽🧡 pic.twitter.com/nKeraQ2DiZ
— Demetres Samuel JR (@demetres_jr) April 2, 2025
And while many are comparing him to Travis Hunter, a former Colorado player who is now amongst the top draft pick possibilities in this year's NFL Draft after winning the Heisman trophy last season, head coach Fran Brown seems to like his ability enough to get on the field right away.
You don't hear praise like this very often. Syracuse football coach Fran Brown said 16-year-old Demetres Samuel Jr. should start at corner next season as a true freshman, will also play on offense and "will be a sight to see for 3(!!) years in college." https://t.co/sxNDmKD4GT
— chris carlson (@ccarlsononSU) April 1, 2025
Demetres is a former four-star recruit who previously committed to Florida before flipping his commitment and spurning 26 offers to come to Syracuse. This is not a publicity stunt or hype...this is a guy who left high school early and is impressing teammates like Michael Johnson Jr. as well as the staff.
"He's going to be amazing."
— Ashley Wenskoski (@AshleyWenskTV) April 1, 2025
16-year old WR/DB Demetres Samuel Jr. is the hot topic around SU football spring camp. Fran Brown expects him to play both ways & be a starting corner in the fall
Teammate Michael Johnson Jr. is unsure how they'll be celebrating his 17th birthday: pic.twitter.com/sYvqg6ZKGD
Syracuse football freshman Demetres Samuel Jr. is poised for a stellar career on the Hill.
Now let's be clear here. This is a barely 17-year-old freshman who will still have to prove to Coach Brown and the staff that he deserves to be on the field. And Fran Brown is a guy who wants to win on the field but also wants to be sure players are doing everything properly. And I don't know him personally or what he will do, but if Demetres can prove he deserves his shot, he will get it, but we as fans also should be excited while also patient about his progress.
Expecting a 17-year-old to walk onto the field and be a Heisman contender right away is not realistic but being excited about a player with that potential is still something as a Syracuse fan to be excited to see one day. And the fact that he likes Fran Brown and the staff here hopefully means Syracuse fans get to watch that progress firsthand in the Dome.
And with so many fan favorites off to try their hand in the NFL, there are a couple left but someone like Demetres being a part of the program could mean he might join that list soon. But in doing so, I do pray they also show him patience to grow into the position(s) he will play. Syracuse fans love people who love to play for Syracuse, they love players who make plays and they love a good storyline that helps build excitement around the program.
Four-star freshman Demetres Samuel Jr in a cornerback drill coached by Fran Brown. Samuel Jr wore a white penny (offense) but was mostly involved in defensive drills. pic.twitter.com/gZmmjdEJaa
— Syracuse Rivals | The Juice Online (@TheJuiceOnline) April 5, 2025
As a Syracuse fan, I LOVE his potential and I am excited but I will not call him the next Travis Hunter or Dwight Freeney or Marvin Harrison...but I will gladly root for him to be the best Demetres Samuel Jr. that he can be.
What will be his impact on the program or others interested in playing at Syracuse or playing two ways is unknown but I know this Syracuse fan is happy to see him in Orange and will watch like an open book taking it one page at a time waiting to see how the story ends but without expectations and willing to wait hoping for a happy ending.