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Massachusetts Pirates

Pirates Sign Quarterback Alejandro Bennifield

March 24, 2019 - National Arena League (NAL)
Massachusetts Pirates News Release


The Massachusetts Pirates professional arena football team in Worcester has signed former University of Tennessee Chattanooga quarterback Alejandro Bennifield for the 2019 season. In 32 games for the Mocs, Bennifield completed 64 percent of his passes (227 of 356) for 2,863 yards with 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also ran 589 times for 145 yards and scored seven rushing touchdowns.

A native of Lovejoy, GA Bennifield (6'3", 220 lbs.) graduated in 2017, signed a National Football League contract and went to mini-camp with the New Orleans Saints and said it was a great experience.

"It was actually pretty unique. I got to work with a lot to the guys. Drew Brees; he's a great quarterback. Sitting behind him learning and seeing how he does things; I feel like he helped me a lot. Learning from those coaches there, their offensive scheme amazing and it was great learning from those guys," Bennifield said.

This past season he signed with the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football and took part in their quarterback showcase. Most recently he was in Jacksonville, FL playing in the Your Call Football League where fans call the plays.

No matter who calls the plays, Bennifield says he's a pocket passer who can extend the play. Now he will try arena football for the first time.

"I know they pass the ball a lot," he said. It's about 95 percent passing. I know the field is shorter and I'm excited to learn, try to be a part of this team and help make it better. This is the first time I've ever been approached by an arena team. I never thought I'd be playing arena honestly, but when the Pirates came to me I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to get film, continue to play football and be a better football player," he added.

Pirates General Manager and President Jawad Yatim now has his back-up quarterback in place.

"I strongly believe in order to win a championship you need to have two great quarterbacks on the roster and I feel like we certainly have that right now. I decided to take my time with this decision and I feel great about bringing Alejandro on board. It's his first arena football experience so he'll have to get used to the timing of the game and the different concepts, routes, footwork, and coverage that differ from the outdoor game. However a ball player is a ball player in my opinion and Alejandro is just that. He's got great size and feet, a live arm, mobile and accurate as he completed 64% of his passes in college. He's a big addition to our team and it's easier to sleep at night knowing we have Breezy (MVP QB Sean Brackett) and Alejandro under center for us," Yatim said.

The Massachusetts Pirates are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The Pirates play all home games at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA. 01608. Pirate Nation Season Ticket Memberships for the 2019 season will be on sale in September. Pirate Nation Memberships start as low as $199.00. To become a Pirate Nation Season Ticket member or for more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508) 452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit www.masspiratesfootball.com. Single game tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com or the DCU Center Box Office. For group outings please call 508-452-MASS (6277). Follow the Pirates on Facebook at Facebook.com/MAPirates on Instagram @mass.pirates, as well as Twitter @mass_pirates.

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