Last week, Syracuse quietly sent out a scholarship offer to high school sophomore Cade Bennett from Arizona. The Orange is Bennett’s first scholarship offer, and last week Orange Fizz talked to the 2020 offensive lineman about what it means to him, what he’s looking for in a school and his thoughts on SU.
SU’s interest in Bennett is very new. He didn’t even know the Orange wanted him until he got the call and was offered a scholarship.
“I had no idea, to be honest with you,” Bennett told Orange Fizz. “It may be the most shocking thing that’s ever happened to me in my life. It was a great shock, but it was shocking. I had no clue they had interest in me, but it was welcome.”
Bennett said the Orange messaged him on Twitter before calling him to offer a scholarship to the lineman. He plays at Notre Dame prep out of Scottsdale, AZ. Syracuse is Bennett’s first offer, but he has also talked to Arizona State and Washington. But even though schools closer to home have offered Bennett, he gives the Orange an early edge in his recruitment.
“I would have to say Syracuse first just because they were the first to reach out to me,” Bennett said. “They became more interested than the other schools. Then, I would probably go Arizona State and Washington. But I haven’t toured or seen Syracuse or watched Washington either, so who knows? Syracuse is just really welcoming to me.”
Bennett said he plans to take a visit to Syracuse soon, and he may not be alone. Syracuse also has a scholarship offer extended to Notre Dame Prep running back/wide receiver Jake Smith. Smith has offers from 14 schools, including Penn State, Arizona State and Wisconsin.
“We might fly out there at the same time one of these days soon enough,” Bennett said. “They invited me to come out sometime so we definitely will.”
On the field, Bennett doesn’t have much experience in the fast-paced offensive style of Dino Babers. Notre Dame prep doesn’t utilize that playbook often, but Bennett is comfortable when it does.
“We actually ran it one game this year,” Bennett said. “It worked out pretty well. I think we should run it more… I enjoy that style of offense. It’s quick and it gets the job done.”
As far as what he’s looking for a school, Bennett made it very clear what he’s looking for in a staff: a coaching staff he can buy into.
“The main thing is really just welcoming coaches and a welcoming community. That’s probably the first and foremost for me. If I feel welcome there, I’ll want to spend my time there… It’s a big factor; it always has been to me.”
Bennett has a long way to go before National Signing Day 2020, but he has the first scholarship offer out of the way. Notre Dame prep is in the Arizona State Playoffs and faces Desert Edge this weekend.
Posted: Nathan Dickinson
