Why 2027 two-way star Amari Eliano chose Syracuse Football

The name Eliano needs no introduction to Syracuse fans.

Following the 2025 offseason, Syracuse head coach Fran Brown shuffled his defensive coaching staff, adding Perry Eliano to the mix to be its defensiive backs coach.

Now, another Eliano is on his way.

Earlier in August, his son, 2027 ATH Amari Eliano committed to Syracuse.

“I decided to commit to Syracuse because of the culture and just how much of a family it truly is,” Eliano said to The Juice Online.

Eliano discusses his OV

The Toledo (OH) Central Catholic two-way star is rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports, and the No. 72 overall player from Ohio.

Eliano selected the Orange over offers from Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Bowling Green, Miami (OH) and Toledo. He took an official visit to Syracuse on the weekend of June 19.

During that visit, he got to form a closer bond with the coaching staff, and heard their pitch on how they would use him.

“(They want me to play) both sides of the ball,” Eliano said. "The coaches love me on both.”

Eliano breaks down why he chose Syracuse

What really sold Eliano was how Syracuse has prepred its players for the next level.

The coaches draw on experience from all different levels of football.

“The coaching staff are filled with professionals from top to bottom,” Eliano said. “They are getting players to the NFL and they are building genuine relationships with their players."

And as an added benefit, he will play with his father. Eliano comnitted as a wide receiver and defensive back.

“It's a blessing to be playing with my father,” Eliano said. “His advice was just taking everything in and just enjoy the process.”

Eliano plans on making an impact with the Orange

Now that he is on board with the Orange, he’s ready to get to work.

“I am an aggressive, fast, explosive athlete who is smart and can go get the ball,” Eliano said. “I go and make plays on the football field.”

Eliano is listed at 6 foot and 185 pounds. His Irish team went 11-5 overall in the 2025 season, and finished No. 13 in the state according to MaxPreps.

He’s looking forward to showing what he can do on the field next fall.

“I can’t wait to get on campus,” Eliano said. “Can’t wait to help this team win in the future."

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