Michael Bennett: Looking to become the next Peach State Great

By Matt Yanofsky

Homegrown talent is all but nonexistent in both college and professional sports. Big time recruiting trips, top of the line facilities, monstrous fan support and lucrative contracts far too often push local heroes out of the market. But every so often, an atypical athlete comes along like Alpharetta HS’ Michael Bennett.

Bennett, a 6’3 186 lb wide receiver, passed up more than two-dozen offers to stay local and play for the University of Georgia. Even as an elite performer, Bennett made it a priority to stay sharp both on and off the field. With a 4.55 40 yard dash, 34 inch vertical, 4.29 shuttle run, great hands and an even more impressive 3.5 GPA, Bennett’s future expands far beyond football. I had the opportunity to catch up with Bennett, who is slated to graduate high school in May.

Matt Yanofsky: Hey Michael. Congrats on your commitment to Georgia. You had a number of other offers but chose to stay local. What made you pick UGA?

Michael Bennett: The proximity to home was huge. It was a great offer and an (Georgia is an) SEC team. Georgia was in need of receivers, so I think I can come in and play right away. I am also cool with the coaches they are all great!

MY: You had a terrific senior year and really stuffed the stats. You rushed for 693 yards, scored 7 TD’s, made 35 tackles and gained 1,084 all-purpose yards en route to being named honorable mention all state. Describe your senor year for us from end to end.

MB: Our record wasn’t that great (3-7), but I feel I did very well individually. I was the second leading receiver in our region. This year helped me develop as a player and (prepare me) for the next level.

MY: You starred at our events in both 2008 and 2009. In 08, you won the WR MVP at the Ultimate 100. In 2009, you took home the prestigious Combine King award at our Atlanta event after tearing apart the stat sheets. What was that honor like, especially considering Atlanta is one of the deepest combines we run?

MB: It was a great honor! In 08’ as a sophomore, I went to the combine starry eyed and didn’t know what to expect. Once I did well there, I knew I could be a D1 prospect. Winning the U100 Wide Receiver MVP gave me a major confidence boost because like you, said Atlanta is such a competitive area.

MY: How do you feel the NUC helped your recruiting?

MB: It helped a lot. I had NO offers before the ’09 combine and after coming to your camp, I started to get offers. The coaches called me and said they saw things about me (that they liked) and (that I had) major potential. The NUC helped put me on the map and your connections with Rivals.com was big for me as well.

MY: At 6’3 186, you are quick, agile and athletic, three outstanding traits for a WR. Is there a certain player you model your game after?

MB: (pauses) I really like AJ Green (from UGA). He is about my size and we have similar abilities. In the NFL, Randy Moss has been  (a player I model myself after) even though he is a freak athlete and I am not quite there (laughing). Moss has a great work ethic and always gets it done.

MY: At Alpharetta high school, you played in front of mostly friends, relatives and some scouts. UGA’s stadium holds upwards of 92,000 people. Do you feel that will add any extra pressure?

MB: Yeah it is going to add pressure (laughing). The first time, actually every time, will be nerve-wracking. It’s on me to step up and perform but I am ready for it.

MY: What are your goals for your freshman year both athletically and academically?

MB: Academically, I want to maintain a 3.0 GPA or above and get acclimated to my classes in college. On the field, I am looking to play as a true freshman since I don’t want to redshirt and coach doesn’t want me to either.

MY: Michael thanks for the interview. Is there anything you’d like to add in closing for all of the aspiring D-1 athletes out there?

MB: If you don’t have any offers and are worried about that stuff, don’t be! Let the process play out and if you are good enough, keep going to the combines and pushing! Everything will work out.