Power 5 Talent in New York: ACC Radar

<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Continuing our series here with ACC impact on New York athletes. We will highlight schools in this conference who currently recruit the state and the players they have eyes on.</span> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Duke</strong></span></h2> Duke ranks in the top 20 in among all colleges in 2023 recruiting.  3-star quarterback Henry Belin and 3-star Tight end Cade Anders of U.S Military Academy are two New York athletes in their 2022 recruiting class. Moussa Kane, of Christ the King reclassified to 2023 class after transferring to Blair Academy. Kane recently made his commitment to the Blue Devils as they coin another year offering New York athletes. <strong> Lucas Hunter</strong> is a 6’3 205 pound QB from Cornwall Central HS. He consistently delivers accurate balls, leading his receivers with the throw and putting it where it needs to be. He shows great ability to make decisions quickly not staring down receivers, or forcing anything. He relies on his ability to tuck and run through open lanes as a last resort. He is not the fastest, but his current 4.8 speed along with his size and strength makes him a very hard target to bring down. Lucas takes snaps and scores often out of the tight end spot. He is an outstanding blocker able to get an explosive punch and actively moving his feet to drive his man out of the play. His field awareness also carries over here and can run the necessary routes to make the play with his reliable hands. Lucas reclassifies to class of 2024 this summer as he continues his football career at Trinity Pawling Prep School and Duke has him as a high choice on their list of prospects. Texas A&amp;Ms Defensive Coordinator and Safeties coach Mike Elko succeeds David Cutcliffe of his 14 year tenure in the Bull City. We would like to see more of Coach Mike Elko and his staff put even more eyes on the Empire State’s talent pool. &nbsp; <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Syracuse</strong></span></p> The Orange does well to recruit in their own backyard despite losing some top players to other top programs. The 2023 class is a strong one and with the additions of the best defensive players in the state with top linebacker<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="232912" first="Zyian" last="Moultrie-Goddard"]</strong>, edge rushers<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="233618" first="Jalil" last="Smith"]</strong> and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="366607" first="Rashard" last="Perry"]</strong> and added an offensive weapon in tight end<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="343476" first="David" last="Clement"].</strong> This strong class among other recruits may be the foundation for a very successful season and as they become competitive in the ACC conference more prospects may look to compete at the higher standard the Orange hope to set. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>(OT)(DL) {[player_tooltip player_id="286675" first="Rowan" last="Byrne"] Iona Prep 2025</strong></span> Rowan had a very good freshman year having success on both sides of the ball. He stands 6’6 and weighs 276 pounds and plays with a great motor. He anchors really well as he still develops strength and athleticism. He seemed to get better every week last year becoming dominant and finding his groove with upper body mechanics so that he can move and maul his man. He drives his man out of the play and is very reliable in run or pass protection.<span class="Apple-converted-space">  </span>His strength at point of attack is used well on the defensive end as he is able to over power his blockers to enter the backfield. Rowan has an early offer from the Orange who has taken notice of Iona’s consistent talent bred on the offensive line.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> &nbsp; <strong>(QB) Rich Belin Cardinal Hayes 2025</strong> Rich is 5’11 and weighs around 180 pounds and looks to make an even bigger impact to his team than his brother did.<span class="Apple-converted-space">  </span>He is already filling those shoes as well as stepping with his own. Rich has great arm strength and has consistency delivering great balls. He has well developed mechanics for a freshman getting a good well timed release. He seems to be a cerebral player who knows the field and gels well with the personnel around him to put the ball only where his playmakers can get it. A good decision maker in and out of the pocket, but can tuck and run if needed. He does well not to force throws. His athleticism extends as he makes plays at receiver and boots kickoffs for his team. Rich has an early offer from Syracuse but his talents may soon attract more schools from all over the country as he continues to develop.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> &nbsp; <strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id="303870" first="Syair" last="Torrence"] CBA 2024 </strong> Syair is 5’11 and weighs 185 pounds with very impressive hands. With 4.5 speed, he can consistently beat on routes and he understands how to get open and quickly. He is a tough competitor with a strong build to break through arm tackles and keep his wheels turning. Syair had 69 grabs and 12 touchdowns in just his sophomore season that led his team to winning the Class A state championship. Syair also came down with 4 interceptions on the season helping his team out on the defensive side of the ball. He is a great athlete with a high ceiling and with an early offer from Syracuse he is on his way to proving why is a one of the most unique playmakers at the position.