Rebels offer junior defensive lineman

Madison Central is off to a quick start this season after having an average-at-best 2007 campaign. The turn around in play has started in the trenches, mainly from their outstanding defensive line tandem of Byron Bennett and Carlton Martin.

"I feel like we have a great team and a great defensive front," added Bryon Bennett. "We have real fast LB's that really hit their keys quick. I feel like we have Madison Central's best defense ever. We make things happen up front. Me and Carlton Martin are always competing against each other, trying to get the most tackles and sacks, things like that. It makes us better."

Those stats already include an eye popping 9 sacks through five games for the 6' 2", 250 pound defensive end.

"I read my keys and attack. The first thing you do on defense is read your keys and attack. I do what ever I can to help our team."

One of the state's top juniors believes he is best suited for defensive end on the next level.

"That is just where I have been playing since middle school. I played defensive tackle in junior high, but they moved me over to end when I was moved to varsity."

The outstanding play resulted in his first scholarship offer yesterday.

"Ole Miss offered me. I was really excited. My friends tell me to hold off and not jump on the first offer, but I am really considering Ole Miss hard. They have always been a school I was interested in. They offered Carlton (Martin) too. Their coaches are really pushing us two to do better with our books and to push ourselves on the field. I am taking the ACT and sending it straight to them."

For now, Bennett is on Cloud 9 from getting his first offer.

"I will continue to look at Ole Miss. I am just shocked, excited. I will look at my grades and see where I can get in. It is a big decision for me, but Ole Miss has always been one of my top schools. They had a big win against Florida, and they have a great weight program. I know a few of the players on their team, and I know their staff pretty well. I watch them on TV a lot."

Bryon had a chance to attend a game of theirs earlier this Fall.

"The thing that jumped out at me was how big their players are. They constantly lift. I watched their defense, and they are pretty fast up front. Their ends know how to pressure the QB."

The recruiting process has not begun from the other schools yet, but Bennett has a few in mind that he would like to visit one day.

"I love watching Michigan, Auburn, and Alabama. They have top defenses. LSU and Florida are always up top, but I like watching those three's defenses. I watch them a lot on TV, and I definitely want to check out their campuses one day."