When Syracuse coaches were recruiting Parris Bennett, his long arms kept coming up as a point of emphasis.

Bennett’s “well above average” wingspan is what gives him an advantage while blitzing, his high school coach at University of Detroit Jesuit (Michigan), Oscar Olejniczak, said.

“Whoever’s blocking him, it helps keep them off of (Bennett), so he’s able to keep them separated from his body,” Olejniczak said, “and be able to use his athleticism once he gets off of them because he has separation.”

This preseason, Bennett has secured the strong-side linebacker position for Syracuse, the one vacated by the graduation of Dyshawn Davis. Entering camp, a three-way competition ensued with fellow sophomore Jonathan Thomas and senior Oliver Vigille. But Bennett’s athleticism and explosion around the edge made him stand out.

Last year he played in eight games and made only four tackles. Now he bears the responsibility of playing alongside sophomore Zaire Franklin and junior Marqez Hodge in the second level of the defense.

“Parris Bennett, he’s probably the most athletic (blitzer),” defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough said. “He moves his hips, he’s long. … I would say our best blitzer is Parris, athletically.”

Franklin added that Bennett’s blitz lines are “almost perfect” because of the way he can bend and maneuver around blockers.

In high school, Bennett played inside linebacker and wide receiver, a testament to his athleticism. In college, his 6-foot, 216-pound frame makes him a better fit at outside linebacker, rather than inside, because his lack of bulk isn’t exposed as much.

While Bennett is slotted at the strong-side position, linebackers coach Clark Lea rotates his players in practice so they learn each of the three linebacker positions. Head coach Scott Shafer said it helps build players’ football IQ, something that was already a strength of Bennett’s.

“The transition to college is always difficult but the football IQ that Parris has helped him and he’s a quick learner,” Olejniczak said. “So I don’t think it was as difficult mentally.”

When training camp began in early August, the competition for the third linebacker spot was one of several position battles on SU’s youthful defense. It took just four days of practice before Shafer said Bennett had the inside edge.

A week later, after Shafer watched tape of the Orange’s Fan Fest scrimmage, Bennett continued to please the coaching staff.

“He’s playing good, physical football. He’s learning how to play with his hands,” Shafer said. “… He does a nice job getting his hands on people in the passing game, jamming and then redirecting.”

Bennett has yet to make his first career start, but it’s becoming clear he’ll be the one lining up alongside Franklin and Hodge for SU’s first defensive set of the year against Rhode Island on Sept. 4.

“I’ve really liked the way he’s matured and approached his process, if you will,” Shafer said. “So it’s nice to see Parris Bennett playing up to his ability level.”

Published on August 26, 2015 at 8:00 am

Contact Paul: pmschwed@syr.edu | @pschweds