I've been sitting here staring at my laptop for the last 15 minutes or so, absolutely unable to write an opening that grabs your attention. I don't have writer's block, I'm just kind of in shock, to be honest. I really really like Maurice Bennett, if for no other reason than he spurned advances from the SEC because his brother already plays at Ole Miss and he "wants to be his own man". With respects to everyone who has previously committed, Bennett is the first big time recruit of the 2012 class. Time to get excited, Coug fans.
I know I've always said to temper your expectations and be rational about things. Screw it. NATIONAL CHAMPS!
But seriously guys, this kid is an absolute monster. I can't embed his video since Scout owns it, but you can go watch it here.
He played out of position at DE in High School, and he'll be the first true pass rushing DT we've had in a while. (sheesh, since ... Rien Long?) What I love about watching videos of pass rushers is their ability to make people look silly. This kid makes people look silly.
One big plus is his ability to continue with the play. A lot of times, big guys like this will give up after the play goes awry and the ball carrier escapes the backfield. Bennett follows the ball carrier down field and makes the tackle. I'm pretty sure the RB was like, uhh did that just happen?
Currently, Bennett is "only" 3 stars. I'm not a big fan of stars in general, but it's the best system we have for ranking recruits. After watching his tape and reading what other scouts who see him on a daily basis have to say, I'd be shocked if he weren't bumped up to a 4 star when it gets closer to February.
With the combination of Bennett and incoming freshman David Davis, the Cougs look to have a run stuffing/pass rushing combo at DT that will wreak havoc in the Pac 12 for the foreseeable future.
Don't forget to check out our 2012 Recruiting Central for all your recruiting needs.
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