WR Richard Benjamin 6’ 0.5” – 202lbs – Tampa Bay Tech
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Florida target Richard Benjamin enjoyed his junior-day visit meeting with coaches, touring the facilities and becoming acquainted to the city of Gainesville.
“I really liked the campus – it really caught my eye; I didn’t know the campus was that big and I really liked the atmosphere in Gainesville because it all revolves around football,” Benjamin said. “The coaches were great, especially coach [Derek] Lewis, coach Aubrey Hill and head coach [Will] Muschamp.”
Benjamin, who holds 26 offers, has attended junior days at the University of Miami and South Florida in addition to Florida.
“I really liked the all the schools I’ve seen so far. Those schools are definitely in my top five that I’ve went to and seen,” he said.
Benjamin also said that Oklahoma, Vanderbilt and Southern California all remain on his list of top schools, but he is not rushing to make any decisions at this point in his recruiting.
“I’m still taking it easy and looking at options right now,” he said. “Changes are still happening at this point so I’m just still waiting until I see what college fits me best.”
Benjamin felt comfortable at UF though. He spent a lot of time with wide receivers coach Aubrey Hill who he says he really bonded with.
“He told me that I could be a big part of Florida with my overall size and ability and that I could really be able to help Florida,” Benjamin explained. “We talked about how I could get the ball and how I would be effective.”
Benjamin has recently been criticized for his weight gain, but says it is not a concern of any of the schools recruiting him and that it hasn’t affected his performance.
“Right now I feel good physically. I gained a lot of weight, but It’s a lot of water weight that I’m getting that off now in track,” Benjamin said.
He turned in a 4.63 time in the 40-yard dash and a 4.38 time in the short-shuttle at the Big County Preps Ignite Showcase a few weeks ago.
“I’m in good shape. I can still run – I can still move – I feel like I am still in good shape, but I did gain just a little bit too much weight.”
The Tampa Bay Tech junior is competing in track during the offseason to keep himself fresh, but says that track is more than just staying in shape.
“My goals for track are to make it to state in the 4×1 and 200 meter. After track I’m just going to work hard to get better on the football field.”
Benjamin is regarded as one of the top-are wide receivers in the 2013 class. He has however flirted with the idea of playing on the defensive side of the ball. He says that he wants to showcase his versatility and would play anywhere on the field.
“I would be going as a wide receiver to Florida, but it really doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “USF has talked about allowing me to play both ways, but they’re the only school.”
Benjamin’s speed will be something to keep an eye on as his track season progresses. He already has good hands and body control – getting faster before his senior year will only make him a higher priority.
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