We're featuring some of our HomeTeam 100 players, including our No. 94 player, Wesley Chapel senior DE/WR Eric Bennett:
In the Wildcats’ intrasquad scrimmage, Eric Bennett lined up in the wildcat and at wide receiver, showing he will also make an impact on offense this season. But defense and getting to the quarterback are still his best qualities, and he should wreak even more havoc in Pasco County this fall. Last year at East Bay, Bennett had 67 tackles, 10 for loss, and 12.5 sacks.
At a 7-on-7 tournament this past weekend in Ocala, on the last play of a game, Bennett lined up wide and ran a fly pattern. The pass, however, was more down the middle. So with the cornerback still glued to his hip, Bennett cut toward the ball, timed his leap at the same time the safety did, and despite a mid-air collision, pulled down the pass for a winning touchdown.
“Catch of the day,” said Wesley Chapel coach Tico Hernandez.
By a guy who may just turn out to be the catch of the offseason.
Bennett, one of Hillsborough County’s top defensive ends last year, will still line up at end and tackle and linebacker — heck, he even played a little safety over the weekend — but he’ll also be taking his talents to fullback, tight end and yes, wide receiver.
“They got me at pretty much everything right now,” said Bennett, who carries a lot of athleticism in his 6-2, 220-pound frame. “I’m really more of an offensive-minded player anyway. Been that way since I was a little kid.”
East Bay had planned on tapping into those offensive skills before family issues forced Bennett to transfer.
“He can do it all, that’s how crazy of an athlete he is’’ Hernandez said. “If our plan goes like it should, he’s not going to be coming off the field.”
Also in this series:
Players 91-100