Syracuse football signs an unexpected addition to 2024 recruiting class: A track star from New Jersey

2022 NJSIAA Track and Field Meet of Champions

Malachi James of Willingboro (center) beat Fabian France of Bergen Catholic to win the boys 100 meter dash at the 2022 NJSIAA Track & Field Meet of Champions on Saturday, June 18, 2022 in Somerset, N.J. James’ winning time was 10.54.Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Subscribers can gift articles to anyone

Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse football added another member to its 2024 recruiting class Wednesday night.

Burlington City (New Jersey) High School athlete Malachi James signed with the Orange, the team said.

James, listed at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, is unrated by the national recruiting services, but he’s got an elite trait: He’s fast.

In a memorable performance last fall, James scored on a 64-yard run, a 16-yard pass and a 95-yard pass for Burlington City in a 41-7 road win at Bordentown. James, who can play receiver and cornerback, also snagged an interception.

In nine games last season, James finished with 25 receptions for 609 yards and eight touchdowns. He also rushed for 479 yards and five touchdowns on 35 carries, according to NJ.com.

Air Force showed interest in James throughout his recruitment. Army, Temple and Monmouth also recruited James, according to Rivals.

James is a track star in New Jersey.

He won gold as a sophomore in the 100- and 200-meter dash at Willingboro High School in New Jersey at the 2022 NJSIAA Track and Field Meet of Champions. James clocked a 10.54 in the 100 and 21.73 in the 200.

“When I won, it was just like wow I did,” James told NJ.com at the time. “After all that I’ve been through from December of last year going through a fractured hip to coming and getting the win at Meet of Champs, I’m just really blessed.”

James’ addition to SU’s 2024 class came as an unexpected capper on the first day of the February signing period.

The Orange signed cornerback Ibn McDaniels earlier in the day.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.