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Kevin Wilson has been trying to rebuild the Indiana Hoosiers football program over the last few seasons, and has begun seeing the improvements. It has been a long time since the Hoosiers were looked at as a legitimate contender in the Big Ten, but they aren’t terribly far away if they can continue on the same path.
Recruiting is the only way that the Hoosiers can continue making the leaps and bounds that have gotten them this far, and 2016 wide receiver commit Phil Benker could very well be the type of playmaker that they desperately need to bring in.
Benker is a three-star wide receiver out of Sandalwood High School in Jacksonville, Florida. He ended up catching 59 passes for 1,061 yards and 10 touchdowns during the 2014 season, and is ready to prove himself in the Big Ten as a legitimate playmaker. Indiana will also have to figure out who their long-term quarterback is, but Benker is hoping to be the type of guy that can help whoever ends up starting.
First of all, it was a bit of a surprise that he ended up with IU anyway. He originally committed to Central Florida, but decided to switch his commitment for multiple reasons.
“The family atmosphere between the players and the entire staff. Then the staff itself. I love what coach Wilson is about and I’ve gotten real close with coach Johns. I really like their offense and I see myself as a great fit. The facilities blew my mind and the campus is amazing. Aside from that the academics was the reason why. You can’t play football forever, so when my time comes I want to be set for life.”
Those are some wise words coming from IU’s new wide receiver, and it gives them reason to be excited about his future both on and off-the-field. He is very confident about his ability on the field, and talked about what IU fans can expect to see from him.
“They’re going to see a freshman on and off the field that carries himself as a senior and a leader. A freshman that’ll make noise in the Big Ten. In three years I want to see myself as one of the elite receivers in the Big Ten.”
Obviously those are very high goals for the Hoosier commit, but he is more than capable of making those goals a reality. As long as he keeps working hard and remains focused on the goal, anything is possible. Indiana saw what a star at the wide receiver position looks like in Cody Latimer, and there are quite a few similarities between him and Benker.
Needless to say, it is time for IU fans to begin getting excited about one of the newest members of their team’s future. Benker has the potential to become something special, and it was a huge get by the Hoosiers to have him commit. He had some words for the fans as well, and made it clear that he is excited to be a member of the program.
“It’s great to be a Hoosier, and I’m more than ready to get on campus and get to work.”
All quotes taken from exclusive interview between Phil Benker and Evan Massey.
Evan Massey is a featured writer for www.RantSports.com, and contributes across the NFL, MLB, NCAA and NBA portions of the site. Follow him on Twitter at @Massey_Evan and like him on Facebook.
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