ANN ARBOR, Mich. | Few Quebec players have the opportunity to immerse themselves directly in the greatest rivalry on a football field. Such is the case with Montreal second-year defensive lineman Alessandro Lorenzetti, who proudly wears the University of Michigan colors.
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One night before the most anticipated matchup of every year against Ohio State, the burly 6-foot-4, 290-pound man met us at Schembechler Hall. This is the headquarters of the football team, named in memory of successful former coach Bo Schembechler.
The plan was essentially to show us all of the team’s facilities, which were undergoing a €14 million renovation in 2022. The scale of the upcoming game, which required lengthy preparation and left the coaches with dark circles under their eyes, meant that the visit in question had to be canceled.
At the beginning of such a critical moment, we quickly realize that everyone is walking on eggshells. “After the game there would have been no problem,” explains Lorenzetti, who generously agreed to an interview about his career.
The statue of Bo Schembechler still stands near the team facilities, which still bear his name. Photo AFP
A real first time
The Montrealer, who played his school football at Selwyn House School, a school in Westmount, is fully aware of the magnitude of this moment.
Last season, his first at Michigan, he didn’t wear a uniform and therefore didn’t travel to the game nicknamed “The Game” in Columbus, home of Ohio State University.
This Saturday, he’ll take a proper soak in the tub for the first time with his teammates on the field at the Big House, his home in Ann Arbor.
“I see that the training sessions before the game are definitely different than usual. This year I feel even more like I’m part of the team. On Saturday I will have the opportunity to experience this game with my teammates. When I am called to take the field, I will be ready. I can’t imagine what a crazy experience this will be. There is a whole excitement surrounding the game. “This is the crucial day for our season,” he says with the excitement of a child.
As part of the Michigan program, it’s impossible to pretend that the game against Ohio State is just another game. To hell with clichés!
“There are slogans all over our facilities and every day of the year it says, ‘What will you do today to beat Ohio State?’ We believe this is the team we have to beat. “Everyone here talks about it all year round,” he assures.
Several homes near the University of Michigan campus are decorated with the image of the Wolverines. Photo Stephane Cadorette
A pleasant change
At the end of his high school in Quebec, Alessandro Lorenzetti was approached by some CEGEPs, but his idea of going into exile in the United States was fabricated. At the Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut he decided to hone his talent. He played on offense and even in that role he was recruited by around thirty universities, including Michigan.
So far, Alessandro Lorenzetti sees little ground, but nothing more normal. Before the season, head coach Jim Harbaugh called him into his office to tell him he wanted to make him a defensive lineman.
“I played defensive line a little bit in high school, but when you change positions at a level like this in the NCAA, it’s definitely a learning curve. Having played on both sides of the frontline helps me understand what I need to do. I’ve been working all year to get to know my new position and it’s a great year of development for me. It’s part of my adventure,” he notes.
The NFL dream
At 6 feet 5 inches and 290 pounds, Alessandro Lorenzetti is imposing for the Wolverines. Photo Stephane Cadorette
Lorenzetti doesn’t regret his choice in any way, he says he loves “the school, the team and my new position” just as much.
He expects an expanded role in his third season next year, and after playing football for two years in a program with a long tradition, he can’t help but dream of the NFL.
“I always thought about the NFL, but I didn’t realize how much until I came to the United States. Playing here made me even hungrier. I want it to happen and I’m going to make it happen.”