By David Brandt, Clarion Ledger
Jackson State defensive end Marcus Benard still isn't quite sure how he wound up in Mississippi. But he's glad he did.
The 6-foot-4, 260-pound junior grew up in Ypsilanti, Mich., and played at Grand Rapids (Mich.) CC before venturing down south.
He was recruited by a handful of Division I-A schools during his freshman season at Grand Rapids, but was hurt during most of last year and his stock fell.
With limited options, he accepted a full ride to defending Division II national champion Grand Valley State (Mich.). But then Jackson State called and Benard reversed course.
"They had seen my film and were impressed. That's all I needed to hear," Benard said. "I was ready to go somewhere new. So far, I'm glad I did."
For now, Benard has jumped up to a starting spot on the depth chart because of a hand injury to senior Idrees Abdur-Rashied. But even when Abdur-Rashied comes back, JSU defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes said it will be hard to keep Benard off the field.
"We've really got some good guys to choose from on our defensive line," Hayes said. "Benard's played well and Abdur-Rashied's played well. We won't go wrong no matter who's playing."
SPECIAL TEAMS SETTLED
JSU coach Rick Comegy said he's getting more comfortable with his choices for long snapper and holder on the special teams unit.
Sophomore Desmond Simms has earned the long snapper role while sophomore Brett Bennett, who's also the punter, will be the holder.
The two will be paramount for a kicking game that could be one of the Southwestern Athletic Conference's best. Sophomore Eric Perri already has a share of the school record for longest field goal at 47 yards.
"Perri likes everything just perfect so we're working on it," Bennett said. "He likes the ball tilted at a certain angle and pointed a certain direction. It's just getting used to each other."
Bennett can also throw the ball on trick plays. He was a high school quarterback in Pensacola, before coming to Jackson State.
WHERE'S CARLOS?
Carlos Simpson, Jackson State's receiver/running back/quarterback/kick returner figures to be a jack of all trades once again this season.
Comegy said that even though Simpson hasn't seen much time at quarterback during camp, there will be a package to occasionally get him under center.
"I think our offense will always need a guy like Carlos who can give us that different look," Comegy said. "It keeps a defense honest."
Jackson State defensive end Marcus Benard still isn't quite sure how he wound up in Mississippi. But he's glad he did.
The 6-foot-4, 260-pound junior grew up in Ypsilanti, Mich., and played at Grand Rapids (Mich.) CC before venturing down south.
He was recruited by a handful of Division I-A schools during his freshman season at Grand Rapids, but was hurt during most of last year and his stock fell.
With limited options, he accepted a full ride to defending Division II national champion Grand Valley State (Mich.). But then Jackson State called and Benard reversed course.
"They had seen my film and were impressed. That's all I needed to hear," Benard said. "I was ready to go somewhere new. So far, I'm glad I did."
For now, Benard has jumped up to a starting spot on the depth chart because of a hand injury to senior Idrees Abdur-Rashied. But even when Abdur-Rashied comes back, JSU defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes said it will be hard to keep Benard off the field.
"We've really got some good guys to choose from on our defensive line," Hayes said. "Benard's played well and Abdur-Rashied's played well. We won't go wrong no matter who's playing."
SPECIAL TEAMS SETTLED
JSU coach Rick Comegy said he's getting more comfortable with his choices for long snapper and holder on the special teams unit.
Sophomore Desmond Simms has earned the long snapper role while sophomore Brett Bennett, who's also the punter, will be the holder.
The two will be paramount for a kicking game that could be one of the Southwestern Athletic Conference's best. Sophomore Eric Perri already has a share of the school record for longest field goal at 47 yards.
"Perri likes everything just perfect so we're working on it," Bennett said. "He likes the ball tilted at a certain angle and pointed a certain direction. It's just getting used to each other."
Bennett can also throw the ball on trick plays. He was a high school quarterback in Pensacola, before coming to Jackson State.
WHERE'S CARLOS?
Carlos Simpson, Jackson State's receiver/running back/quarterback/kick returner figures to be a jack of all trades once again this season.
Comegy said that even though Simpson hasn't seen much time at quarterback during camp, there will be a package to occasionally get him under center.
"I think our offense will always need a guy like Carlos who can give us that different look," Comegy said. "It keeps a defense honest."
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