Ducks pick up pledge from Benoit

Running back Kani Benoit packed his bags for an official visit to Oregon this weekend in search of a scholarship offer. He spent his time in Eugene engaging in the standard tour. Things were discussed, faculties were seen and scenarios were knocked around.

As he left campus to return to Phoenix, however, the offer he sought had eluded him. That changed as he settled back into his family home though. A phone call came in and, just like that, Benoit became a Duck.

The situation was as simple as it sounds. Pondering the offer wasn't an option. The flip happened in an instant.

"The offer came in about 30 minutes ago," Benoit said on Sunday night. "They didn't want to do it while I was there because it's a numbers game and they wanted to see where things were falling. I started getting hints from different reporters that an offer was coming, but my dad actually knew before I did. He told me I needed to call coach [Gary] Campbell. When I called Coach Campbell he said, 'You're in.'"

Benoit didn't need his weekend visit to sell himself on the Ducks. He said before it took place that he'd commit should Oregon offer. That said, the weekend certainly didn't hurt his opinion.

The in-person exploration was a bonus.

"My trip was great," Benoit said. "I loved everything I saw and I loved the coaches. We toured the new facility that they are building for the football team. We toured the academic center, which I was really impressed with. That really impressed me a lot.

"I just needed that opportunity, and it came tonight."

Other highlights of the trip were mostly edible. It could have been the excitement of the evening taking over, but Benoit spoke about the food he was served in Eugene like it was the first time he's eaten in months.

The Phoenix (Ariz.) Thunderbird senior almost had to gather himself in an effort to address the grub.

"We did a lot of eating," he said. "Oh man, what wasn't the best thing they fed me? From the first night, it was great. I don't even remember what we had the first night. I just saw a bunch of food in front of me and I grabbed it. I couldn't even tell you anything specific."

Benoit's commitment to the Ducks is his third verbal pledge. He has previously been committed to UNLV and Colorado State. Just a few days before he'll sign a letter intent, though, he insists that the latest flip is his last.

"I'm so happy it's all over," Benoit said. "This is a gruesome process. You can either love it or hate it. I'm just happy it's officially over and I don't have to deal with it anymore."