2009s Benton has defensive mentality
Safety Shamari Benton has a defensive mentality and the 5-foot-11, 171 pound prospect from the Class of 2009 is sure to be one of the most sought-after athletes in Michigan. With good speed and a willingness to initiate contact there
are plenty of reasons to keep an eye on the Birmingham (Mich.) Brother Rice rising
Advertisement
star.
Last season as a sophomore at Brother Rice, Benton recorded 53 tackles and two interceptions, showing flashes of ability at the linebacker position. How much he grows in the next two years will determine what position he lines up at in college, but either way he figures to be a big-time prospect.
"I was invited to about every camp that's out there but for financial reasons I couldn't attend," Benton said. "I did have a chance to participate in the NIKE Camp and the feedback I've got has been really good. People were impressed by my performance."
Currently three schools are standing out on Benton's radar. Two should come as no surprise, but one Pac 10 school has worked its way into the mix.
"My favorites are Ohio State, Michigan and Stanford," Benton explained. "I'm looking for the opportunity to play, diversity and good academics. If a school can meet all that I'll look at them."
Nearly every junior high school prospect will have areas of their game to work on
that will only improve through body development and mental maturity, but Benton
is surprisingly developed and balanced for a youngster.
"My strengths on the field are my speed, my intensity and my great tackling," he said. "If there's something I can improve on it's probably my hip movement."