Union City talent Daiquan Kelly is a physical specimen. At 6-4, 210-pounds, he can burn by you when he's lined up at receiver and, with his size and speed, he can really make you regret coming across the middle against him when he's at linebacker or safety.
The senior, who is ranked No.17 on the NJ.com Top 50 list, caught the eye of several college coaches over the last 12 months. Holding over 20 offers, Kelly committed to Syracuse in late June, choosing the Orange over Rutgers, Boston College, Michigan State, Nebraska, Pitt, Virginia and many others.
“I took two visits up there,” Kelly said. “The first time I went up there by myself and the second time I went up with my mother and sister. My first trip, I fell in love with the campus and my second time, I knew it was where I wanted to go. I followed my heart and made the decision to commit.”
Kelly said he’s remained in close contact with the Syracuse staff since pulling the trigger and giving them his verbal.
“Things are going great and we have a good relationship,” Kelly said. “I spoke with the coaches Wednesday actually and I’m working on getting some of my film from some of our scrimmages to them. Coach (Bobby) Acosta is the one I’ve been in touch with a lot.”
The Union City product, who is rated three stars by Scout.com, said he's 100 percent committed to Syracuse right now, but will be taking all five of his official visits later this season.
“I know I’ll take an official visit to Syracuse for sure,” he said. “I’ll also head to Michigan State and Nebraska. That’s all I have planned for right now. I’m going to save the last two trips because some other schools might come in and offer me. I’m going to wait and see how things play out before I set up my last two.”
Kelly added that he’s hoping to line up on the defensive side of the ball at the next level. As a junior in 2013, he hauled in 19 catches for 353 yards and five touchdowns, while recording 75 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles on defense.
“Syracuse picked me up as an athlete, but we’ve been talking a lot about safety,” Kelly said. “They might try me out at wide receiver, but I prefer safety. I like laying the licks on guys.”
Braulio Perez can be reached at bperez@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @BraulioEPerez. Find the NJ.com High School Football page on Facebook.
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