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Highly-touted class of 2025 defensive back Demetres Samuel has flipped his commitment from Florida to Syracuse, On3 Sports reported Sunday evening. Samuel, listed as a four-star recruit by 247Sports, is now SU’s highest-rated commit in its class of 2025.

🚨BREAKING🚨 4-star safety Demetres Samuel has flipped his commitment from Florida to Syracuse, per @Hayesfawcett3🍊

Samuel had previously flipped from Syracuse to Florida in July.

Read: https://t.co/5HJwNZCou8 pic.twitter.com/hcil57oBys

— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) September 30, 2024

Samuel originally committed to Syracuse verbally in late March when he was classified to graduate high school in 2026. But he pivoted in July, decommitting from the Orange and committing to Florida while reclassifying to 2025.

Head coach Fran Brown remained persistent in pursuing him, though, as Samuel visited SU this past weekend for its Sept. 28 game against Holy Cross. Two days after the Orange defeated the Crusaders, Samuel flipped his commitment back to Syracuse.

Hailing from Palm Bay, Florida, Samuel is ranked as 247Sports’ No. 21 overall class of 2025 safety. The Heritage High School product also boasts a No. 38 overall ranking for recruits in the state of Florida. Samuel stands at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds as a safety, showcasing a lanky frame with long arms while also possessing solid speed capabilities.

247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins said Samuel’s ceiling may be highest as a split safety, due to his elite range and polished ball skills. Though he runs an average 4.65 40-yard dash, Samuel contains a wide set of tools that he can develop further at SU — as he’s set to arrive on campus as a 17-year-old.

Samuel is now Syracuse’s lone four-star recruit in its class of 2025, which is currently 29 players deep. The class ranks 36th in the nation, per 247Sports.

Published on September 29, 2024 at 10:54 pm

Contact Cooper at: ccandrew@syr.edu | @cooper_andrews