Syracuse, N.Y. -- Darnell Stokes Jr., a standout wide receiver and defensive back from Delaware, has officially committed to the Syracuse football program, adding a significant talent to their recruiting class. The announcement, made on X (formerly Twitter), marks Stokes as the 11th verbal commitment for the Orange’s Class of 2026.
Stokes, who stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs 185 pounds, demonstrated his impressive athletic abilities on the field, where he showcased his skills as a three-sport athlete at Indian River High School in Dagsboro. According to his statistics, Stokes had an outstanding season, catching 24 passes for 639 yards, which is an impressive average of 26.6 yards per catch. His 12 receiving touchdowns underscored his capability as a game-changer on offense.
But that’s not all he brings to the table. Stokes displayed his prowess on the ground as well, finishing the season with 48 carries for 593 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. His exceptional performance has already earned him the title of Offensive Player of the Year in his classification.
Last season was a memorable one for Stokes and his team, wrapping up with a 12-1 record and clinching the state championship in a nail-biting 47-45 game where Stokes starred with four touchdowns. His contributions weren't limited to the offense; defensively, he made 50 tackles and grabbed an interception, showcasing his versatility and athleticism as a dual-threat player.
As he sets to join Syracuse’s program, Stokes also garnered attention from several competitive schools, receiving offers from Rutgers, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, as well as multiple smaller programs. Despite being unranked by the four major recruiting websites, Stokes has shown that he has what it takes to excel at the next level.
The atmosphere around the Syracuse football program has been buoyant, especially after recent spring practice sessions held this past weekend. Stokes was among a cohort of recruits who took part in visiting the campus, further solidifying his commitment and enthusiasm towards joining the Orange.
Currently, Syracuse's group of verbal commitments stands tall at 14th in the nation according to 247 Sports, placing them fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) behind only powerhouses Clemson, Louisville, and Boston College. This position highlights Syracuse’s growing competitiveness in recruiting within the ACC, an environment where they are building a solid foundation for future success.
As Stokes prepares to don the Syracuse jersey, fans will be eager to see how he translates his high school success to the college level. With his marked ability to impact games on both sides of the ball, Darnell Stokes Jr. is a player to watch as he embarks on this exciting new chapter of his athletic career.
