2026 ATH Zahir Weatherington is one of the most promising prospects in New Jersey.
He rushed for 15 touchdowns in his freshman season, and also played defensive back for the Paramus (NJ) Catholic Paladins. That’s caught the eye of the Syracuse coaching staff, who invited Weatherington (nicknamed “Shifty”) to the JMA Wireless Dome this weekend for its matchup against Florida State.
Thank you @CoachAhmadCuse @CuseFootball for the great hospitality can’t wait to see you guys again! @PCFBrecruits @CoachSean52 @lats341 #cuse #livin pic.twitter.com/c79rJLMdHS
— Zahir “Shifty”Weatherington (@ZahirThe1) November 13, 2022
Though the Orange ultimately lost 38-3, Weatherington enjoyed the visit.
“The visit was really dope. I loved everything about it. You could just feel the energy when you walk in,” he said. “That was my first time being in a Dome and what the fans bring to the table at JMA was insane.”
Weatherington got to take in the game, and also toured the facilities and met with the coaching staff. Their message to him was straight forward.
“The staff just told me to keep hitting the books and to keep putting my talents on display,” he said.
The SU coaching staff also said they’d continue to keep in touch with him.
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“As far as my recruiting as a freshman I still have a lot more to see,” Weatherington said. “Syracuse University is definitely in high consideration on my list of schools.”
The list should be wide and far reaching by the time Weatherington is ready to pick a school.
“Being considered the top freshman running back in my class for New Jersey means I gotta work even harder,” Weatherington said. “I’m a team player as well as a leader on and off the field. If I had to compare myself to any players I would say Saquon Barkley everyone says we have the same run style and similar build.”
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