Bennett sets the record straight

The summer is quickly approaching and Alexandria (Va.) West Potomac offensive tackle James Bennett is setting up his visit plans in the coming months. According to his father, John Bennett three schools will receive unofficials soon.

"We're probably going to be going to West Virginia on June 10th, Pittsburgh on June 16th or 17th and Michigan State in July," he stated. "He was looking at scheduling another one for Virginia Tech, but I told him he could either go there or we could go on vacation. He chose vacation and instead he'll get to Virginia Tech eventually. As for the other in-state school, we've been to Virginia three times already so we won't go there."

Although conflicting reports have come out, Bennett currently holds nine scholarship offers.

"I know there are nine from West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Penn State, Connecticut, Clemson, NC State, Michigan State and Maryland," he said. "Right now, Jimmy is keeping his options open. He hasn't ruled out anyone and is pretty open-minded.

"There have been reports that Connecticut or other schools were leading, but he's backed off of that. The coaches from all these schools have been good to him and pleasant. So, the decision is going to be an academic one because he knows the schools that have offered are all good football programs. He's going to look at the academic support for student athletes."

Are any other factors of major importance to Bennett?

"As I said, he wants to hear about the academics and is looking to study finance or accounting. A good business school is going to be very important," he said. "Besides that, he knows the depth charts on these teams and who needs what spots. Jimmy wants to play."

Aside from visits next month, Bennett plans to take the ACT on June 9th.

Then this season, Bennett and his father will look to potentially take some unofficials.

"Once the football season starts he's going to be busy," he said. "Unlike other schools, they don't have a bye week at West Potomac, but we're going to try to go up early on Saturdays to Virginia, Virginia Tech and Maryland for games."