Syracuse, N.Y. — Former Rutgers wide receiver Chris Long announced his commitment to transfer to Syracuse football on Thursday night, becoming the second player to announce plans to transfer to the Orange this offseason.

Syracuse has had nine players announce their intention to transfer out since the end of the season, most notably projected starting cornerbacks Jayden Bellamy and Marcellus Barnes.

The Orange added commitments from Long and Alabama offensive lineman Naquil Betrand on Monday.

Long had 11 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown last season for Rutgers. His best season was his sophomore year in 2022, when he caught 15 passes for 163 yards. He has one season of college eligibility remaining and has fought injuries over the course of his career. He was listed by Rutgers last year as 6-foot and 177 pounds.

Long arrived at college in 2020, ranked by the 247 Sports composite as a four-star recruit and the No. 8 prospect in New Jersey and the No. 708 prospect in the country. Over the course of his recruitment, he reportedly received offers from a list of schools that included West Virginia, Louisville, Baylor, North Carolina, Pittsburgh and others.

Long played high school football for Willingboro (New Jersey) High School. His primary recruiter when he joined Rutgers was current Syracuse coach Fran Brown.

Long will be a veteran option entering his sixth season of college football, earning extra seasons because of the coronavirus pandemic and a redshirt season.

He joins a wide receiver room that will lose its most productive outside receiver, Jackson Meeks, and is looking to identify starters at both outside spots.

Many players flashed potential at the spot last season, including Yazeed Haynes, Justus Ross-Simmons, Darrell Gill Jr., Umari Hatcher and Emanuel Ross. Inside receiver Trebor Pena still has a year of college eligibility remaining as well.

Syracuse was one of the most successful teams in the country at elevating its talent via transfer last year, losing 28 players but adding 18, many of whom played key roles in the team’s 9-3 regular-season.

Contact Chris Carlson anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-382-7932

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