Richard Benjamin [6’ 1” 180 lbs | 2013 Middleton WR/DB]

Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Miami, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Rutgers, South Florida, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Southern California, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, Eastern Kentucky, Florida Atlantic

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Middleton junior wide receiver/defensive back Richard “Rich Boy” Benjamin had a strong showing at the 2011 Under Armour Combine. Along with Alvin Bailey and Vernon Hargreaves, Benjamin participated in the “stars” group as the combine listed the top 25 players on the Under Armour official roster.

Combine Numbers:

40: 4.7
Broad Jump: 9.3 feet
Bench Reps: 10 at 185
Shuttle: 4.24

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Although Benjamin held his own during individual drills he didn’t show his separation from the pack until a live ball was put into play during 1-on-1 drills. Rich Boy showed his seasoned skills as he released cleanly from the line, ran crisp routes and was able to use his frame to shield off some of the nation’s top corners on the outside.

Benjamin has good size at 6’ 1” and knows how to use it. Where he may be out-jumped by a corner he puts his body in position to force a corner to go around him, rather than above him; something many defensive backs were unable to do.

As 1-on-1’s became more heated Benjamin approached the defensive backs coach and told him that he wanted to try his hand on the other side of the ball. The coach obliged and Benjamin showed his versatility and even deeper skill set. Although raw as a defender Rich Boy’s potential is evident. He has loose hips and good feet although he struggled to slow receivers down as they came off the line.

During 7-on7’s Benjamin split time almost evenly at wide receiver and safety (his appropriate spot on the defensive side). He ran good routes, and was open on a number of plays but none of the acting quarterbacks were able to get him the ball down the field.

Defensively, however, Benjamin shined. Playing safety Rich Boy made two interceptions and was consistently around the ball making plays. At one point Benjamin, Hargreaves and Bailey were in the defensive backfield all at once. A pass was not completed.

To be a dominant receiver at the next level Benjamin will need to slim down and work on his agility. You’d like to see a little more down-the-field speed from his as well. On the other hand if a college wants to use his nose for the ball and plus ball skills defensively he needs to simply tone up. At 185 lbs his size is fine to play a safety position.

With over 20 offers in hand Benjamin pretty much has the pick of any school he wants to attend. It will be very fun to watch his improvement and growth through his senior year. One thing is for sure, recruiting will not slow down for Rich Boy.

FINAL 2011 STATS:

Rushing: 58 carries, 501 yards
Receiving: 26 catches, 450 yards