Syracuse, N.Y. — Five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell III has signed his letter of intent to attend Syracuse.
Russell chose not to sign during Wednesday’s opening of the early national signing period. Instead, he hosted a signing party Thursday night, similar to the July 5 birthday party where he announced his commitment.
Russell’s signing confirms that Syracuse has landed it’s highest-rated recruit since 2001.
It’s been an eventful week for Russell. He was named a semifinalist for the CBS Miami Nat Moore Trophy, which recognizes the top high school player in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties. He watched the award go to running back and Texas signee Derrek Cooper on Tuesday night. Miami Northwestern held a signing day ceremony for its football players the next day.
It was at that ceremony that Russell announced he wouldn’t be immediately signing. A video then circulated of him flashing the “U” sign synonymous with Miami Hurricanes football.
Miami is Russell’s home school, his mother was a basketball star at the university and one of his best friends, freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney, was named ACC Rookie of the Year.
None of that matters now as he will be heading north this winter to begin his career at Syracuse.
Syracuse has three of Russell’s former teammates, all freshmen, on its roster. Russell will be with Darius Johnson gaining knowledge from wide receivers coach Josh Gattis. The two also played with defensive linemen DeAngelo Thompson and Eric Thomas.
Russell remained committed to Syracuse despite its 3-9 season. He is part of a trio featuring fellow four-star wide receiver Amare’ Gough and three-star quarterback Zaid Lott that is meant to lead Syracuse’s offense when current starting quarterback Steve Angeli leaves town.
Syracuse, barring any late flips, is set to finish the early signing period with the seventh-ranked class in the ACC, according to 247Sports. The class ranks 31st in the nation and is the school’s highest rated in the modern recruiting rankings era.
