Benjamin has early top five

Tampa (Fla.) Middleton junior wide receiver Richard Benjamin claims around 20 scholarship offers at this time. While he is in no rush to eliminate any school interested in his services, the 6-foot, 182-pound wide receiver is focused in on five schools.

"My top five is Florida, Vanderbilt, Miami, Florida State, and South Florida," Benjamin said. "They aren't in any kind of order, they are just my top five."

He talked about what has each of those schools standing out for his services at this stage of the process.

Florida: "I feel like that is a program that would be a good fit for me. They need wide receivers and I think I can come in and help."

Florida State: "The 'Noles are in my top five because I have a good connection with their coaching staff and I like their style of offense. They throw the ball a lot. I think that is somewhere that I can fit into."

Miami: "I just love Miami's swagger. I like the coaching staff. I love their tradition."

South Florida: "They are the hometown team. I really like them because of the coaching staff, I really have a good connection with the coaching staff. Also, that is a good place to get a good education."

Vanderbilt: "Their education is great. Their graduation rate is really good and they set you up great for life without football. They are improving in football as well."

During this season, Benjamin has attended games at Florida, Florida State, Miami, South Florida, and Vanderbilt. He is planning to visit South Florida this weekend for their game against Miami and then wrap up the regular season with another visit to Florida for the Gator's regular season finale against Florida State. He is also interested in visiting Georgia in the near future.

At this time, Benjamin is aiming for a summer decision, and he shared what will help him separate all of his offers and find the right place for him to call home for the next few years.

"The education is going to be a big part, the graduation rate and if they have the major that I want to pursue," Benjamin said. "I want to find the school that best fits me."

Middleton struggled this season going 0-10. Benjamin contributes as both a wide receiver and cornerback.