Codie Hornsby Discusses Syracuse Commitment
Syracuse football landed a big commitment Wednesday night in coveted Grambling offensive lineman transfer Codie Hornsby, who is represented by Darren Wilson and Chase Moss. Wilson and Moss are the same NIL agents that represent Michael Nwokocha, the junior college defensive tackle who previously signed with the Orange. Hornsby is the cousin of Syracuse class of 2024 signee Jaylan Hornsby.
"One big thing is I really like how coach Fran is doing everything," Hornsby said. "That's one. I know he has a lot of things he wants to get done and I feel like I'll be there for it. Syracuse has always been my dream school. Somewhere I really wanted to go to. For me, since I didn't start playing football until I was a senior in high school, I really didn't have those opportunities to get myself looked at. About a week ago I got a follow from Jeff Nixon (offensive coordinator) and it went from there. From there, it was like 'if coach Nixon and coach Brown offer me, I know what I'm going to do.' It was one f those decisions that I already knew was going to happen."
Hornsby is from Texas and played his high school ball at Skyline High. So how does someone from Texas have Syracuse as his dream school?
"I was a die hard Carmelo Anthony fan," Hornsby said. "Growing up, I was a die hard Carmelo Anthony fan. Anytime NCAA basketball game came out, I always did a dynasty with the Syracuse Orange. It always stuck. I've just been a big Carmelo fan and it influenced my whole life. Just gravitated me towards Syracuse my whole life."
After he decided he was ready to join the Orange, the next step was informing the coaches.
"They were excited," Hornsby said. "I initially told coach Brown and immediately he told the entire staff. Immediately I was getting calls from the all of the coaches on the staff. They were really excited to start this journey."
There were reports that Hornsby had offers from more than 30 schools including many of the power conference programs. Hornsby said that reporting was legitimate, but he always knew Syracuse was where he wanted to be.
"I had a lot of interest from those schools and I had a lot of offers," Hornsby said. "A lot of the schools were interested but their roster was completely full and they wouldn't be able to offer me until after the spring when they make spring cuts. It was a lot of coaches staying in contact with me every single day because they didn't want me to go anywhere else. They wanted me to wait. Me, I feel like my opportunity was best with this one (Syracuse)."
Hornsby has not visited Syracuse yet, but he plans to do so before he enrolls over the summer.
The talented offensive lineman says he is bringing athleticism to the position.
"I like to describe myself as a guy who should be playing a skill position but ended up playing offensive line because he got bigger," Hornsby said. "I lean heavily on my quickness and my athleticism. If you watch my film or watch videos I made, I'm blessed to have great feet. I use my quickness and athleticism to my advantage. I compare myself to an Aaron Brewer who just signed with the Miami Dolphins. I compare myself to him or Ed Ingram from the Minnesota Vikings.
"I'm one of those quick guys, I'm not six foot eight. I feel like, immediately, I have that leverage over the bigger guys. That gives me an advantage in the run game. Sometimes a disadvantage in the pass game, but I'm sure coach (Dale) Williams will help me a lot with that. I've always been a coachable player so whatever he teaches me is what I will be adding to my game."
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