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Since Fran Brown’s hiring in Nov. 2023, Syracuse has excelled in recruiting nationally. The Orange boast the No. 36 overall recruiting class in 2024, according to 247Sports, and rank No. 38 in the class of 2025.

A crucial part of SU’s success has come via Brown keeping talent in state, as nine of New York’s top 15 recruits in the class of 2025 are committed to the Orange, per 247 Sports. Brown has also excelled recruiting local talent, with Christian Brothers Academy rising senior tight end Daunte Bacheyie being one of three players from the school committed to SU in 2025.

Bacheyie is a three-star recruit and the seventh-ranked player in New York, according to 247Sports. Known for his towering 6-foot-6 frame, agile feet and elite body control, Bacheyie made a name for himself at CBA as a receiver in 2023, catching 19 passes for 312 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games. Bacheyie committed to Syracuse on April 24, choosing the Orange after also fielding interest from Boston College, Buffalo, Fordham and Pittsburgh.

“After I talked to them and they told me how they saw me and would use me, (Syracuse) jumped right to the top of my list,” Bacheyie said. “I talked to family and friends about it and have had conversations with (Brown) almost every other day. After that, it seemed like an easy choice.”

Bacheyie has been a Syracuse fan since moving from New Jersey to central New York when he was 5. He became accustomed to SU football throughout his childhood, attending home games as a fan. Since joining the Brothers as a high schooler, Bacheyie has played in the JMA Wireless Dome a number of times, developing an even further connection to his future home field.

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At SU, Bacheyie will be joined by high school teammates Darien Williams and Matthew Hawn. Williams, a wide receiver, is 247Sports’ top-ranked New York recruit, while Hawn is a three-star offensive lineman.

“They support each other,” CBA head coach Casey Brown said of Bacheyie, Williams and Hawn. “It’s nice to have one of your brothers with you when you are going on this next path. They can lean on and motivate each other, make each other accountable for coach Brown and Syracuse.”

After Bacheyie met Williams as a freshman, the two have created a tight bond over the last several years while developing as pass catchers. In that time, Williams has seen Bacheyie’s development blossom firsthand.

“The way (Bacheyie’s) speed has increased is ridiculous and he’s got incredible hands,” Williams said. “Being 6-foot-6 and running as fast as he does can be dangerous.”

To develop his speed, Bacheyie has utilized track and field. In the spring, he helped CBA’s 4×100 relay team win a state championship. As an undersized ninth grader, Bacheyie dedicated himself to the weight room. Since then, Bacheyie has grown into his body while utilizing his speed and athleticism to dominate on the gridiron.

Daunte Bacheyie is one of three Christian Brothers Academy players committed to Syracuse in its class of 2025 recruiting class. Photo courtesy of Daunte Bacheyie

With Bacheyie’s skill set and physical presence, Casey has used him in multiple ways, including go-routes and blocking on offense. Bacheyie made just one catch as a sophomore before breaking out as a junior, helping CBA go undefeated en route to its third state championship in the last 25 years. Max Preps recognized Bacheyie as one of the top tight ends in the Great Lakes region. Additionally, Bacheyie plays linebacker, as his vision has helped him quarterback CBA’s defense.

“He’s very quick and extremely strong. His strength has been incredible for his leverage, which he has to be able to push and pull,” Casey said. “He’s a Division I athlete, so we’re gonna try to utilize him as much as possible for as long as we have him.”

Bacheyie’s plans for his senior season at CBA are simple: win another state title. While he’s unsure of what his future holds, Bacheyie is ecstatic about the opportunity to play for his hometown team after graduating from CBA.

“It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m (extremely) excited,” Bacheyie said of committing to SU. “I’m going to play to my strengths and (highest) ability and do all I can. I just want to be the best player that I can be.”

Published on August 21, 2024 at 10:47 pm

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