Lineman from Orlando receives scholarship for Syracuse
A high school football player from Central Florida makes it to Division I with a full scholarship after just a few years of hard work.
ORLANDO, Florida. – A high school football player from Central Florida makes it to Division I with a full scholarship after just a few years of hard work.
D’Joni Scatliffe, a twelfth-grader at East River High School, has accomplished a remarkable feat: he received a scholarship to Syracuse University after just two years of playing football.
Scatliffe, who excels on the field as an offensive tackle, moved to Florida from the British Virgin Islands two years ago. Originally a basketball player, his transition to football was quick and successful. “The coaches, the staff, everything was just incredible,” Scatliffe said of his time at Syracuse.
East River head coach Adam Chappell remembers the first time he heard about Scatliffe’s potential.
“I came here and they were like, ‘Hey, there’s this guy who’s 6’6”. I got some test numbers from D1 Sports and he’s about 34″, Chappell said.
Despite the challenges of adjusting to life in the U.S., Scatliffe has not only embraced the sport but has also proven himself to be a leader on the team. The Falcons are fortunate to have him on their roster as they begin the season with a 1-0 start in a game at Lake Brantley this Friday.
