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Julian McFadden’s recruitment took time to develop. As a junior at La Salle College High School in Pennsylvania last October, the wide receiver began sending his film to 10 college coaches a day.

Soon after, Delaware State head coach Devin Redd, now an offensive analyst at Syracuse, gave him his first scholarship offer. From there, McFadden’s recruitment began heating up and on March 21, he took an official visit to SU.

Wide receivers coach Ross Douglas knew McFadden was on campus and offered him a scholarship. McFadden didn’t hesitate, accepting the offer on the spot.

Before emerging as a three-star recruit and committing to Syracuse, McFadden burst onto the scene after transferring to La Salle College High School before his junior year. The wide receiver notched 53 receptions for 916 total yards and 13 touchdowns, receiving First Team All-Catholic honors.

After spending his first two years of high school at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, McFadden needed a change of scenery to help him reach the next level. He instantly fit in with the Explorers, largely due to his personality.

Colleen DiDonato, McFadden’s faculty advisor at Springside Chestnut Hill, said he has the aptness to act like he’s known people for years, even in new environments.

“(McFadden) is a people magnet and a huge team player,” DiDonato said. “He has the ability to make everyone feel welcome naturally and is the most humble kid ever.”

On the field, McFadden immediately transformed La Salle’s offense. McFadden often used his agility from running track to create separation. Joey O’Brien, a junior wide receiver and defensive back, said the team trusts McFadden will make huge plays due to him being “lethal.”

“He’s gotten more physical, and he rarely drops the ball because of his fast, shifty hands,” O’Brien said. “He did a lot more training and that’s what helped him with his commitment.”

Each offseason, McFadden works with former National Football League wide receiver Torrey Smith. McFadden played for Smith’s seven-on-seven football team, Level82. Through each game, the senior realized he could play in college.

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Smith believes in giving opportunities to young athletes and training them properly. With Smith’s help, McFadden added 25 pounds of muscle while incorporating all five food groups into his diet.

At summer tournaments, Smith immersed McFadden into different experiences by visiting colleges around the area. He provided ample advice and encouraged the wide receiver to make a highlight reel.

“We went on a lot of college visits together to get a feel for universities’ programs,” McFadden said. “Last year we went to SMU, Georgia Tech and Penn State. He’s helped me so much.”

A pivotal factor in McFadden’s commitment was the bond he shared with members of the Syracuse football community. Even though the senior has yet to play for the Orange, he already feels part of the team.

“Every time I go up there to visit, a lot of people reach out and I definitely feel loved,” McFadden said. “I’m always talking to coach (Ross) Douglas and even to other new recruits in a text group chat.”

Though McFadden has missed most of his senior season due to a collarbone injury, his return should come right before playoffs start. In the meantime, the senior has acted like a second coach on the sidelines to other wide receivers.

But McFadden desperately wants to get back on the field. Oftentimes, the wide receiver is reminded the only thing that makes his injury better is patience. La Salle Athletic Administrator Bob Zanneo said McFadden has done everything in his power to help propel the Explorers to victory.

“He’s a football junkie, so he’s not a kid that goes home at three o’clock every day,” Zanneo said. “Whether it is the freshman or junior varsity players, he enjoys giving feedback and watching their games.”

While McFadden’s future lies with Syracuse, he isn’t allowing his future plans to distract him from the present. He still has unfinished business with La Salle.

“Right now I’m focused on (my) senior season and when I get to Syracuse I’ll be all in,” McFadden said. “I take it day to day and game by game with the ultimate goal to win the league and states.”

Published on October 23, 2024 at 11:17 pm