West Virginia Transfer Linebacker James Heard Will Officially Visit Syracuse
Syracuse football will host yet another high profile transfer this weekend for an official visit. James Heard, a linebacker transfer from West Virginia, will be on campus to get a closer look at the Orange. Heard was a class of 2023 four star (per Rivals) prospect who signed with the Mountaineers out of Camden High in New Jersey where he recorded 18 sacks in just nine games during his senior season. He chose WVU over offers from Boston College, Duke, Kentucky, Maryland, Miami, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Penn State, Rutgers, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Virginia, Virginia Tech and others. Heard has four years of eligibility remaining after redshirting last season.
West Virginia thought very highly of Heard and reports were that they did not want him to leave. In fact, during training camp, Mountaineers’ defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley praised his potential.
“Exactly why you go recruit a guy like that,” Lesley said. “He’s exactly what we thought he was. He’s one of our best natural pass rushers, just has a knack. He’s a lot savvier than you think he would be as early in his career in coverage. I mean, he had a pick today on a tipped ball and really just off reaction. He’s going to be a really, really, really good player for us.”
Heard joins a talented group of former four star recruits visiting as transfers. They include Texas A&M defensive lineman Fadil Diggs, Georgia wide receiver Yazeed Haynes and Florida defensive lineman Will Norman. In addition, Georgia wide receiver/kick returner Mekhi Mews will also take an official visit.
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