Bennett makes the call for Syracuse

The recruiting process escalated quickly for University of Detroit Jesuit linebacker Parris Bennett, and just as quickly the 6-foot, 215-pound linebacker has ended it by calling Syracuse coaches on Monday and committing to the Orange.

"I called Coach [Clark] Lea and he was very excited," Bennett said. "He passed the phone around and I talked to a few other coaches. After I got off the phone I talked to Coach [Scott] Shafer, the head coach, and he was very excited as well.

"I am excited to potentially be a part of such a great program and get a great education. I am also relieved because now I feel I can focus on building my [high school] team and help them win games without having to be focused on this recruiting stuff."

A key to Monday's commitment was a weekend visit to Syracuse. It was Bennett's first time on their campus.

"I went up there Friday, stayed Friday night and met with coaches Saturday," Bennett said. "It was good I actually got to go out and see the campus because I had never been to Syracuse before. Afterwards I was pretty excited. It was a great visit and I enjoyed myself. It was just the whole visit left me feeling good."

Although Bennett felt good about the Orange immediately coming off the visit, he took a couple days to ensure the feeling would stick and also talk it over with his family.

"I came back and had a nice, long talk with my mother," he said. "She then got on the phone and talked with the head coach himself. After we talked about it I just felt good about the decision."

Bennett was recruited to Syracuse by Orange linebacker coach Clark Lea, who liked the Michigan native because of his versatility.

"I have been told I could play WILL 'backer because I am more of an athlete/cover guy," Bennett said. "Also, because of the length of my arms I could play SAM and rush the passer."

Besides Syracuse, Bennett held offers from Pittsburgh, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Toledo and Western Michigan.