Fran Brown ‘hopeful’ but unsure transfer WR will be available for Syracuse’s season opener

Syracuse’s new wide receivers coach says he’s not sure if transfer wide receiver CJ Donaldson will be available for the Orange’s season opener against Louisville on Sept. 3.

“I’m hopeful,” Brown said. “But I’m not sure.”

Donaldson, a graduate transfer from West Virginia, was one of the most highly touted recruits in the country coming out of high school. He was a four-star recruit by 247Sports and was ranked as the No. 1 wide receiver in the state of Florida.

Donaldson had a productive career at West Virginia, catching 52 passes for 758 yards and six touchdowns in three seasons. He was also a key contributor on special teams, returning 22 punts for 240 yards and a touchdown.

Brown said that Donaldson is still learning the Orange’s offense and that he needs to get more comfortable with the playbook before he can be cleared to play.

“He’s a talented player,” Brown said. “But he’s still learning our system. He needs to get more comfortable with the playbook before we can put him out there.”

Brown added that Donaldson is a hard worker and that he’s confident that he’ll be ready to contribute at some point this season.

“He’s a hard worker,” Brown said. “He’s put in the time to learn our system. I’m confident that he’ll be ready to contribute at some point this season.”