Benedict Offense Shines In First Scrimmage

COLUMBIA, South Carolina  --  The Benedict Tigers held their first controlled scrimmage on Saturday morning, with the offense excelling on several big plays.

Kendariss Brown had a 90-yard touchdown reception on the offense's first possession of the scrimmage on a third-down and long. Brown finished with two TDs.

While it was a good day for the offense, head coach James Woody was not happy with the defense giving up several big plays, especially on third-and-long situations such as Brown's big touchdown.

"I thought we did some good things out there and we did some bad things as well," Woody said. "We're still not where we should be. But the effort is there and we are getting better every day. We just have to get in football shape and make some better plays and find a way to stop the offense on second and third and long situations. I'm not satisfied with that yet. We have to get off the field on third and fourth down and can't let anybody get behind us."

Woody also said the running backs had a good day, especially senior running back Chris Johnson.

"We need that type of leadership, especially with a young team and the transfers we have," Woody said. "I am really excited about the offensive line, especially with A.J. Becton, who is really leading that offensive line. I'm a little disappointed in Stevon Wilkenson. He was our best lineman last year, but he just is not there yet. But we will work him and get him focused and get him to do what we need him to do. Marcus is our leader and I have great confidence in him and am 120 percent behind him. I've just got to get him to manage the game and not try to take over the game by himself."


 "I thought the running game was outstanding today," Woody said. "We just need more from the defense, stop looking in the backfield and understand third and fourth down and yardage and we will be OK."

On the defensive side, Brandon Beech stood out with an interception, a couple of batted balls and sacks and several punishing hits.

Woody said he is happy with the progress of the offensive line, as well as the leadership of several of the veteran players, including Beech, Martin Epps and quarterback Marcus Graham.