Bradenton, Fla. – Ryan Downes was baptized by fire last season before taking on the helm of IMG Academy replacing senior cadet AJ Duffy (FSU) as starter. Then, as a freshman, Downes started attracting next-level recruiting eyes reporting five offers. A large part of the summer has been spent with the 2025 gunman displaying his arm at college camps with a school trio set to see him again this fall.
Downes listed his college camping schedule.
“I started with Clemson and UNC, then I had the opportunity to go to Auburn, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Penn State, Michigan and Notre Dame,” Downes said. “I have the opportunity to go to all those places.”
The wing was on fire when Downes hit the Big 12 section of his camp ring.
“My pinnacle camp performance, definitely in Texas and Oklahoma Downes said. “I think I hit my stride towards the end, even though Notre Dame and Michigan. The first half started again with the spin of things. I definitely enjoyed all the places I went. It was fun to meet some new employees and catch up with some old people I met in the past.”
Downes is working on a visitation schedule in the fall.
“I’m pretty sure I’m going to Auburn, Penn State and Florida right now,” Downes said. “I’m trying to figure out which tournaments I can get into because we have our own games to win.”
Previewing potential game-day visits, Downes laid out the rationale for why he’d like to see the Big Ten and SEC teams in action.
Auburn: “I think they are doing a great job with the new staff. I was able to build some really great relationships with some of the coaches there. They’re in for a great conference, and they’ll be back, and it’s a great school. I think they will soon be a powerhouse in the SEC again. “
Penn State: “Relationships I was able to build with the coaching staff, especially with coach (Mike) Yurcich; they were great. I was able to talk to them a lot and Happy Valley is a great place. I have loved it there every time I have come. I’m excited to be in a match up there and see the atmosphere of the day.”
Florida: “It’s great to be down here because you can build a relationship with Florida because they’re so close. Some of the people on the team, (OG) Knijeah (Harris) was one, was traveling with a few other boys. Over the past few years, I’ve been able to get closer to the Florida staff and that has continued with change. They have great people there, and I think they are great coaches but more importantly better people.”
