College Gridiron Showcase Player Profile: QB Bryan Bennett
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Only a few short years ago, Bryan Bennett was battling for the starting quarterback position for the Oregon Ducks. However, he lost said battle to Marcus Mariota as a black cloud began to form over his football career. Not wanting to spend his career at Oregon on the bench or playing a different position, Bennett took his talents to Southeastern Louisiana.
Since arriving at Southeastern Louisiana, Bennett has flown under the radar as one of the best small-school gunslinger in the nation. The dual-threat quarterback quickly took the Lions’ offense and turned it into a well-oiled machine, amassing 3,165 passing yards and 1,046 rushing yards in his first year with the team.
While his senior season saw a dip in numbers (2,357 passing yards, 669 rushing yards, 33 total touchdowns, 49.5 completion percentage), Bennett has still shown up on numerous NFL radars as an intriguing prospect worth taking seriously.
Not only does Bennett possess the athleticism and scrambling ability that NFL teams covet these days, but he has the arm to make most of the throws expected at the next level. His accuracy and decision-making still need some improvement, but both are coachable aspects of Bennett’s game.
Bennett already turned heads at the 2015 Senior Bowl, looking like one of the best quarterbacks at the event during practices. His in-game performance left much to be desired – he completed five of 10 passes for 80 yards, two interceptions – but he definitely made an impression on a number of NFL scouts throughout the week.
The College Gridiron Showcase will be yet another opportunity for Bennett to prove that he has the talent to be an NFL quarterback. He’s already grabbed the scouting community’s attention, and needs to capitalize on this second chance against some of the top talent from around the country.
Bennett is looking like a late-round prospect with significant upside, and should continue to elevate his draft stock during the College Gridiron Showcase.
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