Mike D’Alessandro is gearing up for the football season.
For any player at Don Bosco Prep, the national power in New Jersey, that’s a way of life this time of year.
But after his high school days end, D’Alessandro’s future at the next level will be in lacrosse (with the possibility he could also pursue football).
The rising junior is a perfect example of how size and speed are in such high demand at the D-I level in lacrosse.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound D’Alessandro has both.
A safety on the Ironmen’s football squad, D’Alessandro is a playmaking, athletic midfielder in lacrosse.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Mike on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
I always wanted to play lacrosse in the ACC. I also wanted to make sure it was a school with an excellent academic reputation. Plus, there is still an outside chance I could play football there as well.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
After the Maverik Showtime camp, I had a lot of great options. I was impressed with both Loyola and Maryland, which I visited before UNC. I also saw Rutgers and Fairfield. I was also seriously considering Syracuse, Colgate and UMass.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I think my speed, athleticism and physical style make me a little different. My football background has contributed heavily to my more physical style of play. I like to play fast and aggressive. I like to have the ball when the game is on the line.
How does playing football help you with lacrosse, and while we’re on the topic, how does Don Bosco look for this fall?
It definitely keeps me in great shape and it teaches mental toughness. Playing football at Don Bosco is not easy and if you can survive in that environment, you can succeed at just about anything. As for the team this year, we are young and a bit inexperienced, but we have some great leaders and a bunch of hardworking kids that are ready to step up. We reload instead of rebuild.
Who have been some of the biggest influences on you during your development as a player?
I have had some great coaches in both lacrosse and football, starting in rec up to now. My previous summer travel program, Tri-state, really helped me develop as a player, and my high school coaches, Mike Springer, Tom Prior and Kevin Simmons, have also taught me a lot about the game.
I do also have to give credit to my Bosco football coaches, in particular my defensive coordinator, Dan Marangi and, of course, head coach Greg Toal.
What travel team did you play on and what were some of the big showcase events you participated in this summer?
Football at Don Bosco is a serious time commitment, so unfortunately I had to make the decision to not play travel lacrosse this summer. I really only played in the opening round of the Garden State Challenge and then attended the Maverik Showtime camp where I made the all-star game.
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Posted In: New Jersey lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown
This kid is dirty he def will be playing both at north Carolina
I guarenttee you see this kid playing in the NFL in the future and wouldn’t doubt him playing in the MLL too for fun Ha ha
Bosco FB/lax star picking lax over FB. Is this the start of a trend?
Two sports in college is not happenin. Who else has ever done that before or now???
Hey Just sayin, UNC lacrosse has had a young man by the name of Mark McNeil play both midfield on the lacrosse team (he was recruited as a lacrosse player) and walked on as a safety on the football team. He was offered a scholarship by the football coach and decided to play it full time but he played both successfully enough to earn a scholarship in one and get significant playing time on another.
my mistake he is a wide receiver.
Hey ‘Just Sayin’ it is possible and this kid is a freak athlete and has the abilty to do both. I didnt believe how good he was till i saw him play. He is an absolute stud. Youll see him playing both. Go watch him for yourself this season on the football field he plays Free Safety for the ironmen youll be stunned
Lots of kids go in with the thought they can do two, but it never happens. More power to him though.
Mike’s athletic prowess does not appear to be the question. There are lots of other issues – time factor, coaches’ demands in offseason, etc. That is why virtually no one plays two D-1 sports. In fact, I can’t think of anyone either now or in the last 5 years since Doug Shananan from Hofstra, and Hofstra is I-AA not I-A in football.
Some people believe he is a one of a kind and have never seen an athlete like this before. Supposedly the lax coaches and football coaches are fine with it because they arw sure he can do both. Unc needs to see his football season but I’m sure he will be offered.