Syracuse newcomers discuss transition, city life before season kickoff
Two Syracuse transfers, Cole Weaver and Chris D'Appolonia, spoke to media about their adjustment to the program. Weaver, a Miami (OH) transfer, noted the benefits of playing in a larger city. The Orange open their season against New Hampshire this week.
Weaver arrives from Miami (OH) after leading the RedHawks in receptions last season, earning the program's Offensive Skill Position Player of the Year honor. He has embraced Syracuse's urban setting, even trying puppy yoga as a way to explore the city beyond football obligations.
D'Appolonia, a Third-Team All-MAC selection at Toledo with 68 tackles last year, credited a team camping trip for accelerating his transition. He said the time away from football allowed him to build genuine connections with new teammates, making the move feel natural despite being only months old.
The transfer portal has reshaped college football rosters, and stories like these highlight how athletes navigate frequent moves between programs. Weaver and D'Appolonia's experiences may resonate with student-athletes facing similar transitions, showing that team bonding and community integration can ease the adjustment. Their success at Syracuse could influence how other programs approach onboarding transfers, potentially affecting recruitment strategies and player retention across the sport.