Calvin Russell, one of the top receiver recruits in the country, will begin practicing with the Syracuse basketball team.
Top Syracuse University football recruit Calvin Russell is set to join the Syracuse basketball team soon, according to a report from Aidan Stepansky of the Daily Orange.
Big news for Syracuse sports:
Calvin Russell's mother, Chanivia Broussard, told me today that Calvin will begin practicing with the SU basketball team and be on its bench once he gets to campus. Calvin is set to move in this Thursday.
About Russell
A five-star recruit out of the Florida high school ranks, Russell is among the biggest recruits in Syracuse football history. CBS News reported in August that he had 55 scholarship offers for football and 13 more for basketball. The Palm Beach Post says he's the third-highest recruit in Syracuse history.
Despite his prowess on the football field, Russell has said that he's actually better at basketball.
Impact on the SU football program
Given his status as a top recruit, Russell already figured to play a prominent role for the Orange in 2026, but he should plan an even bigger role after Darrell Gill Jr. and Johntay Cook announced themselves in the transfer portal.
The wide receiver room is currently thin and Russell will go a long way toward helping make it full again. The Orange are coming off a 3-9 season but should be better given the return of quarterback Steve Angeli, who is coming back from a torn Achilles' tendon.
The Orange also just recently landed former LSU running back Ja'Juan Johnson in the portal.
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Impact on the SU basketball program
At 6'5, Russell profiles as a shooting guard-type. While it's unclear if he'll actually see any game action this season, he'll have a jump start on next season. And should any SU players transfer or head to the NBA Draft after this campaign, he'll have a head start on helping to replace them. Head coach Adrian Autry likes to play an aggressive and athletic style of defense - something that should suit Russell's game.
Also on campus
The Syracuse men's basketball team will take on Georgia Tech on Tuesday night (7 p.m. ET) in Atlanta. SU is 9-5 and 0-1 in ACC play. The Yellow Jackets are 10-5 and 1-1.
This will be a homecoming game for Naithan George and Ibrahim Souare, who both played at Georgia Tech previously. George led the ACC in assists with the Yellow Jackets last season.
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