He said that the two students found a lot of their personal history in common.

Both Bennett and Leone, who played on the Harvard football team, had fathers that were high school football coaches.

When Bennett and Leone attended Harvard, the housing lottery was not randomized and students were allowed to list their preferred Houses.

At the time, Kirkland House was known as “the jock House,” according to Mazzone.

“[Kirkland] was a very fun, very casual place. [Bennett and Leone] loved it,” Mazzone said. “They were very loyal to Kirkland.”

During his four years, Leone juggled academics, football, and boxing while holding a job in order to help pay his tuition.

“Gerry was a kid who was excited to be at Harvard. He worked extremely hard and focused a lot more on schoolwork than most people,” Mazonne said. “He’s always going to give 100 percent.”

With the name of Bennett’s and Leone’s alma mater admitted into evidence, the jury will have the responsibility of interpreting the role of the Harvard connection in the trial.

Closing statements in Copney’s trial are scheduled to take place this week in Middlesex Superior Court.

—Julie M. Zauzmer contributed to the reporting of this story.

—Staff writer Kerry M. Flynn can be reached at kflynn@college.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Hana N. Rouse can be reached at hrouse@college.harvard.edu.