2024 defensive back Donovan Philord is one of the most sought after prospects in the Miami-Dade area.
The Monsignor (Fla.) Pace star is rated three stars by 247 Sports and already holds offers from Appalachian State, Charlotte, FIU, Pitt and SMU, among others. Syracuse also offered him back in April, and he got a first-hand look at the Orange this past weekend when Syracuse played Notre Dame at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Had a great time at Syracuse this weekend #GoOrange🍊 @_TravisGreene pic.twitter.com/0kaRa6TN05
— Donavan Philord 3🌟DB (@PhilordsIsland1) October 30, 2022
Though Syracuse lost 41-24, Philord loved what he saw from the team and the SU community.
“The atmosphere in the Dome was electric and noise was deafening,” Philord said in an interview with The Juice Online. “The team is made up of players who play hard with a lot of heart.”
Philord got to tour the Syracuse facilities and also got to meet with the coaching staff. During his conversations with them, one word in particular kept popping up.
“Effort,” Philord said. “Throughout our conversations that word was mentioned a lot. They told me you don’t have to be the best as long as you show effort, everything will fall into place.”
The Orange has shown that kind of effort this season, and has already clinched bowl eligibility with a 6-2 record.
That has impressed recruits, Philord included.
» Related: 3 takeaways from Syracuse’s 41-24 loss to Notre Dame
“Syracuse is one of my favorites,” he said. “I love everything about it.”
The feeling is reciprocated. Though Monsignor is only 4-5 this season, it has won two of its last three games, and Philord has notched 28 tackles and has a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
He’ll continue to remain in contact with the coaching staff, who has pitched him on academics and enrolling early.
“The coaches talked about what they expect from their players on the field, as well as, the classroom,” Philord said. “They spoke to me about the advantages of enrolling early to get bigger, faster and learn the playbook.”
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