Syracuse’s first swing at Alessandro Bennati already carries weight in his recruitment, and a weekend trip to Central New York only added to that feeling.
The 2028 offensive lineman from Oakdale, Conn., and St. Thomas More School was in town for Syracuse’s game against Clemson, giving him his first look at the JMA Wireless Dome on game day. The visit came months after the Orange extended his first offer in April, a moment Bennati called a milestone.
“It was great, even though it was a tough loss,” Bennati said to The Juice Online. “I had fun, and the coaching staff was nice. The fans were loud it was just a good experience overall.”
Bennati spent time with the Syracuse staff while he was on campus, including offensive line coach Juan Castillo. Their conversations centered on how Bennati would fit into Syracuse’s system and the schemes the offensive line runs.
Still, the biggest impression came from the building itself. Bennati said the atmosphere inside the dome stood out right away.
“The fans were really loud,” Bennati said. “It was cool to experience a Syracuse game day in person.”
That kind of reception matters, but so does the relationship Syracuse has built with Bennati from the start. The Orange were the first program to offer him, and that has stuck with him as other schools have entered the picture, including Boston College.
“Syracuse was definitely one of my favorite visits,” Bennati said. “I really liked the atmosphere and how welcoming everyone was. It was a great experience overall.”
He also pointed to Syracuse’s track record with Canadian players. Matthew Bergeron came to the program as an under-the-radar prospect from Canada before becoming a 2023 NFL Draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons, and current sophomore linebacker Antoine Deslauriers is from Montreal.
“Getting an offer from Syracuse means a lot to me, especially being from Canada,” Bennati said. “Syracuse has a strong history of recruiting Canadian players, and it’s cool to have the opportunity to be part of that pipeline. I’m really thankful for the offer, and it motivates me to keep working.”
Bennati has been sidelined this season after meniscus surgery, but he recently got back on the field. He said the recovery process has been a grind, and he’s eager to get back to competing.
“I’ve been working hard on my recovery,” Bennati said. “I’m excited to finally get back on the field and compete again.”
As for what he brings to the table, Bennati said his frame and reach help him in pass protection, while he also feels comfortable in the run game.
“I use my size and length well to protect the quarterback, and I’m also solid in the run game,” Bennati said. “I’m confident in both areas, but I feel more comfortable in pass protection.”
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For a program that prides itself on developing pros, these updates matter because they show more than just roster survival. Some former Orange standouts are carving out roles on special teams, others are holding down spots in regular game action, and a few are still working through the weekly churn that comes with life in the league. The latest round of appearances offers another reminder that Syracuses NFL footprint is spread across multiple teams, with more names worth watching as the season moves forward. [Read more 🡒]