Josh Buchanan covers "pro hopefuls" for www.d2football.com, and helped select players for the Las Vegas All-American Classic and the Magnolia Gridiron Classic, and he was kind enough to share his small school prospect interviews with us.
OT Heath Benedict, Newberry
Josh.: What is your current height, weight and workout numbers?
Heath: I am 6'5 1/4, 325 pounds as of now but 332 when the scouts were here, and my 40 time was a 4.92 when the scouts came in. My broad jump was an 8'11 but I am usually a 9'4 or so. My vertical is 32 1/2 inches and my bench max is 440. I can do 225 about 28 times. I guarantee a 33+ vertical, 9'4+ broad jump, high 4.7 40, 4.4 short shuttle, and I will do 30+ reps of 225 at the combine.
Josh.: Did you play any other sports in high school besides football?
Heath: I played baseball, basketball, and soccer.
Josh.: Do you have any relatives who played in the NFL?
Heath: No.
Josh.: What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses?
Heath: I think my athletic ability is my strongest point and I think my technique is my weak point. My size is also a big benefit because I can be 330 and still be fairly lean.
Josh.: Do you prefer run or pass blocking?
Heath: I like both. I think I am better at pass blocking. My best is actually when I pull because I play low in space.
Josh.: What did winning the Jacobs Blocking Trophy mean to you?
Heath: It was a big honor because only one person gets it and it made me thankful. My family is very happy I was able to get that. All the hard work I put into it meant something for me to get that.
Josh.: You were named an All-American last year. What did that mean to you and do you expect to be a unanimous pick this year?
Heath: It definitely means something to me. I was an All-American in high school and now to have it in college means a lot too. It is the highest award you can get. Hopefully if I play well I can make it again this year and I would like to do that again.
Josh.: Who is the best player you have faced in your career?
Heath: I would say two different defensive ends. One is Alton Pettway but the best I went against was the freshman defensive end from North Alabama but I can't think of his name.
Josh.: Who is the best player on your team?
Heath: I think there are a couple of good players like Tony Ransome at DE and the junior ILB Will Newell. I think Newell brings the most to the table as far as a leader and in terms of production.
Josh.: Who else has NFL potential on the team in your opinion?
Heath: I think Tony Ransome and the scouts like our big defensive line Jones. I think if Newell develops he has potential. Maybe a couple of our safeties such as Derrell Mills may have a chance.
Josh.: Do you expect to play tackle at the next level?
Heath: It doesn't matter to me. Wherever they think I will be most useful. I talked to some who like me at tackle and some who like me at guard. I would be happy moving to defense. As long as I am on the team I will do whatever they want me to.
Josh.: You are very highly rated for this year. Does this come as a surprise to you?
Heath: It is always a surprise and it always feels good to be projected as a top player for next year. I appreciate that and I don't say it is expected but I have put in a lot of hard work and I appreciate being noticed.
Josh.: What are your goals for this coming season?
Heath: I want to play the best I can and work on my technique. I want to finish blocks as well. I want to be an All-American and win the Jacobs again. At the end of the year to be a first day pick would be a dream come true.
Josh.: What are your future goals?
Heath: I want to have a long lasting career in the NFL and have a good wife, my current girlfriend is Natalie Barba, and a good family. I want to be able to provide for my family.
