"I picked Ole Miss first and foremost
because they make it sound like they are getting more out of my commitment than
I am," added Mario Benavides. "They
think I am one of the top offensive linemen in the country, and they made me feel
wanted. Plus, I get a chance to play in the SEC which gives you more exposure
than any conference in the country. And I love Coach Kehoe. He coaches at Miami
for 25 years and won 5 national championships. Who would not want to be tutored
from a coach who has sent all of those linemen to the NFL?
Benavides still
has not visited Oxford but he still sees himself as solidly committed.
"I
told them I was going to come down in June for their football camp, but I might
come in late May instead. I just promised them that I would come. But I feel solid
whether I have visited them or not. I did not just commit to them for the sake
of it. I have done extensive research on their university, and right now I think
they give me the best opportunity to better myself. I have people from around
here ask me all of the time what I am going to do if Texas and A&M offer.
I tell them that I am still going to Ole Miss. I know a lot of players decommit
these days, but I am not one of those people. When I say I am going to sign with
Ole Miss, that is what I mean. I will be there for sure."
 |
| Mario
Benavide |
Who else was heavily involved in Mario's
recruitment?
"Iowa State called me last night and said they were about
to offer. I receiv a lot of calls from Texas Tech, and they came to my practice
yesterday. Utah has been texting me a bunch. I went to A&M's Jr Day. They
were really involved. Rice also offered me. Those were the main colleges that
were recruiting me."
Benavides recently exploded on to the recruiting
scene when he posted a 6' 4", 285, 4.9 forty, 390 bench, 530 squat, 320 clean,
and most importantly, he carries a 4.0 GPA / 1460 SAT.
What does Mario
think about his game?
"I pass protect very well. I have only allowed
one sacks in two years, and we are a pass oriented team. I think my upper body strength
gives me the edge in staying ahead of my opponents. For a guy my size, they are
surprised when they can not get around me. Not too many tackles can run a sub
5.0."
Marion was named 1st Team All-State, All-JR by 5A Texas.com,
1st Team All-District, and 1st Team All-Metro.
To view the commitment list,
click here.
To
watch Mario in action, click
here.