Syracuse Class of 2016 recruit Michael Moore failed to qualify academically and will not join the Orange for the upcoming season, head coach Dino Babers said after Friday’s practice.

At the Orange’s media day, Babers said Moore was struggling to get certification through Syracuse, not the NCAA. This is the second straight season Syracuse has had a defensive back not qualify. Last season, Marquise Blair failed to qualify through the NCAA Clearinghouse.

Moore, a 6-foot-2 cornerback from Palomar (California) College, had three interceptions and 10 pass breakups in his one season at Palomar. He was recruited to bolster SU’s 115th-ranked pass defense, which gave up an average of 273.8 yards per game through the air.

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With Wayne Morgan hurt, Moore could have helped add depth at the position for the Orange.

Every player listed as No. 1 at his position on the post-spring depth chart in the defensive backfield is a returning player who received playing time last year. The Orange also added freshmen Scoop Bradshaw, Carl Jones, Evan Foster and Devon Clarke, who is injured, too.

Babers said he had no update on James Pierre, who also has yet to qualify through the NCAA. Pierre chose Syracuse over offers from Miami, Louisville, Mississippi State, South Carolina and Wisconsin. He initially had committed to North Carolina but was denied admission.

Published on August 12, 2016 at 11:09 am

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