Interest grows for Bench

What is the strength of Bainbridge (Ga.) junior quarterback Steven Bench?

"I like to think I can throw it with the best of them," Bench said.

Because he plays in an offense that passes the ball only "10 to 12 times" a game, Bench doesn't get as many chances as others to show off that arm. But he isn't complaining.

"It's something I've got to live with," he said.

Despite playing in a run-oriented offense, the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder has gained considerable attention from colleges. Already, South Alabama has offered, while Bench said schools such as Alabama, Florida Atlantic, Florida State and Georgia Tech have shown interest.

According to Bench, he spoke with Tide assistant Kirby Smart on Saturday and Seminoles assistant Mark Stoops on Monday. Bench's father, Steve Bench, once coached Smart in high school. Today, he's the offensive line coach at Bainbridge.

"My dad has known Coach Smart forever," Bench said. "On my way home from a camp in Prattville (Ala.), where I got the top QB award, my dad told me to call this number and it was Coach Smart. He talked to me about how they want to start recruiting me, and that they want me to go to their camp so they can look at me. Coach Smart said he'd seen my film and liked it. He said I could move around pretty good and could make all the throws."

Two days later, Stoops stopped by Bench's school, he said.

"He was in our weightroom," Bench said. "When I was coming up, he recognized me. I took an unofficial to FSU last year for a game. I sent him my highlights and stuff like that. We sat outside and talked for about five minutes. They want me at their camp, too. He gave me his card and his number."

Asked about the possibility of attending camps at Alabama and FSU, Bench said, "I know for a fact I'll be going to both of those."

At this point, Bench isn't sure just yet what the interest level of either program is.

"I really think it's too early to tell," he said.