Syracuse football, in top six for DE Kechaun Bennett, faces big challenge

Syracuse football is among an intriguing assortment of six finalists for four-star defensive end Kechaun Bennett.

Syracuse football is on a strong success streak in its 2021 recruiting cycle, and landing four-star defensive end Kechaun Bennett, a high-priority target for the Orange, would push this class to a whole new level.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Bennett, who attends the Suffield Academy in Suffield, Conn., took to Twitter to unveil his half-dozen finalists, and it’s an interesting group.

Still in contention for Bennett are the ‘Cuse, fellow Atlantic Coast Conference foe Miami, Big Ten Conference member Michigan, independent powerhouse Notre Dame, the Southeastern Conference’s Ole Miss, and California from the Pac-12 Conference.

For what it’s worth, two analysts on the 247Sports Web site recently projected that Bennett will ultimately select Michigan. While 247Sports lists him as a strong-side defensive end, Rivals.com labels Bennett as a weak-side defensive end.

Either way, those two recruiting services both rate him as four stars, the No. 1 high-school player in the state of Connecticut within the 2021 class, and a top-30 prospect at his position.

Nationally across his class, the 247Sports Composite ranks Bennett No. 329 overall. He said in several media reports that he could make a decision on his collegiate destination in the near future.

Syracuse football is in a fierce recruiting bout for elite 2021 prospect Kechaun Bennett.

Bennett told 247Sports national analyst Brian Dohn in an article that academics are important to him. That certainly could benefit squads such as Michigan, Notre Dame, and California. Ole Miss has a new head coach in Lane Kiffin, who previously led a few other high-major college programs and also guided the NFL’s Oakland Raiders.

On Miami, Bennett said in part to Dohn, “Florida has always been a state I wanted to move to since I was younger.” Regarding the Orange, Bennett said, “I like the coaches and how they have experience, and are smart. They know how to use me and put me in position to make big plays, and (to let me) play with my ability.”

In a piece by CuseNation.com’s Mike McAllister, the appeal of Syracuse’s new defensive coordinator Tony White and his 3-3-5 system is noted. “They just show a lot of love,” Bennett said about the Orange coaching staff to McAllister.

At this juncture, there are positives to all of the crews on Bennett’s final ballot. Should the ‘Cuse win out, and it will prove quite tough, Syracuse would pick up a gem for its 2021 class, which recently gained commitments from three-star linebackers Austin Roon and Malik Matthew, among others.

Dohn, in an evaluation of Bennett back in February, had some encouraging things to say and also provided constructive criticism. “Fires off ball quickly with low pad level. Gets up field. Disruptive against the pass. Uses speed to slip inside but flourishes getting around edge. Speed to chase plays down from behind. Stays true to assignment. Able to re-direct down line of scrimmage. … Multi-year starter at Top 20 program.”

That sounds like a defensive end who could absolutely thrive on the Hill, and we’ll keep a close watch on Bennett as he looks to announce his choice soon.