South Carolina Football: Gamecock commitment named Player of the Week in the state
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina football commitment Mazeo “MJ” Bennett has Gamecock fans excited for what he can become when he gets on campus next season.
Last week, Bennett scored three touchdowns in the first quarter against Berea and did so in three different ways. The wide receiver got his receiving touchdown last after taking a short handoff across the goal line and returning a punt for a score earlier in the game. He was also very close to taking another punt to the house in the game.
This weekend, Bennett received a well-deserved accolade for that performance.
The South Carolina Football Coaches Associated named the 4-star wide receiver the 4A Upper State Special Teams Player of the Week. His touchdown and near-touchdown in less than a half of work were extremely impressive, and the Greenville High School standout rightfully was honored by the state’s coaches.
As a receiver, Bennett has a good year for the Red Raiders. He is a big-time YAC threat (meaning that he has the ability to eat up “Yards After the Catch”) who has enough speed and quickness to knife his way through a defense. However, he possesses the ball skills and the physicality to make plays on the ball in the air.
His best trait as a receiver, however, is his route-running. Because of his athleticism and ability after catch, he catches a lot of screens and other quick routes, but when given the opportunity, he creates a ton of space for himself with his route-running.
In single coverage, he always gets open, leaving his man in the dust and finding soft spots in the defense. When bracketed or double-covered, he still can get open using his solid footwork and knack for finding green grass. Because of that ability, he can play both inside and outside.
It can be hard for freshman receivers to make a big impact at the college level, but Bennett will have every opportunity to earn his way onto the field for South Carolina football next season. The Gamecocks will lose at least four receivers from this year’s team, and a talent like Bennett could carve out a role for himself next fall.
You can watch some of his film here.