Kivon Bennett, son of former NFL star, tries to forge personal path with Alouettes

Article content material

Given the household lineage, it’s stunning Kivon Bennett grew up hoping to be an NBA participant. However then his physique took over and, at 6-foot-2 and 236 kilos, it grew to become obvious he was destined to play soccer.

Article content material

“My physique form of ended up selecting soccer for me,” Bennett, a rookie defensive-end making an attempt to make the Alouettes, mentioned Thursday, because the workforce concluded coaching camp at Stade Diablos in Trois-Rivières. “For essentially the most half, I all the time knew I used to be going to be an athlete.”

Article content material

Bennett’s father Cornelius was one of many biggest linebackers in NFL historical past. Chosen second general in 1987 by Indianapolis, however finest remembered for the years he spent with Buffalo, he made 5 Professional Bowl appearances, was twice named the AFC defensive participant of the yr and performed in 5 Tremendous Bowls throughout his 14-year profession. He retired in 2000 having produced 71.5 quarterback sacks, 31 pressured fumbles and 7 interceptions.

His son, 23, doesn’t seem headed for NFL greatness, unable to obtain a contract from the Atlanta Falcons after attending their latest rookie mini-camp. That delayed Bennett’s arrival till final weekend, which means he missed Montreal’s first exhibition recreation at Ottawa.

Article content material

Article content material

That additionally means Bennett has to depart all the things on the sector Friday night time (7:30 p.m., RDS, TSN Radio 690) when the Als host Hamilton of their ultimate exhibition match, realizing ultimate cuts are coming Saturday.

As a lot as this final tuneup revolves round veteran gamers eradicating the rust constructed up over the winter, it’s one final alternative for rookies, like Bennett, to plant a seed within the coaches’ minds. Each participant who’s wholesome and dressed will get on the sector, head coach Jason Maas indicated.

“I wouldn’t name it their final likelihood,” defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe mentioned. “It’s a possibility to compete, a possibility to make the soccer workforce. All these guys are right here due to their means. Now we get an opportunity to see what they’ll do on the sector.

Article content material

“I gained’t speak about (Bennett’s possibilities of) making the workforce. I simply suppose the training curve’s a bit steeper once you come to camp later.”

Bennett, raised in Fort Lauderdale, was rated a four-star recruit popping out of highschool. He spent 4 years at Tennessee earlier than transferring to Arkansas State in 2021. In 12 video games, he had a team-leading eight sacks. He possesses velocity together with a capability to get off the sting and has an excellent change of route.

Whereas he admitted Friday’s recreation shall be a very powerful of his profession up to now, Bennett denied there’s added stress.

“I’m excited to get on the market, get after it and play quick,” he mentioned. “I’ve one other alternative to play ball. On the finish of the day soccer is soccer. I’m going to get after it each play, run round, fly round and simply be bodily. Defence is all about being quick and bodily.

Article content material

“I wish to show to myself that I belong out right here. I do know that I do.”

One other potential rookie to look at is defensive-tackle Israel Antwine. At 6-foot-3 and 309 kilos, he’s thought of a wonderful run stopper who will draw common double groups. He performed at Colorado as a freshman earlier than transferring to Oklahoma State, the place he grew to become a four-year starter.

Antwine was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars popping out of school, added to their observe roster earlier than his mid-season launch.

“The sport means rather a lot to me; it means all the things,” the soft-spoken Antwine mentioned. “Particularly coming from the States. I wish to present everyone how efficient I’m, not simply stuffing blocks, however attending to the backfield, attending to the quarterback and displaying, despite the fact that I’m a defensive lineman that weighs over 300. I nonetheless have velocity and explosion.”

Thorpe mentioned a motivation speech from him is not going to be required for any of his defensive rookies.

“Now it’s actually as much as them,” he mentioned. “You don’t need to say something. These guys are all extremely motivated. They know.”

[email protected]

twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1