TBT’s Benjamin commits to Louisville

Posted Dec 11, 2012 by Bill Ward

Updated Dec 11, 2012 at 10:24 PM

Tampa Bay Tech wide receiver/running back/defensive back Richard Benjamin has made a verbal commitment to the University of Louisville, Titans coach Jayson Roberts told the Tampa Tribune on Tuesday evening.

Roberts said Benjamin made the commitment following a home visit Tuesday by Louisville tight ends coach Sherrone Moore. Roberts said he attended the visit and was pleased with Benjamin’s choice of schools.

“I think it’s a great fit for him,’’ Roberts said. ‘‘They’re recruiting him as an athlete because he’s so versatile but they’re talking about him playing in the secondary right away because of his ball skills and coverage ability.’‘

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound had been pledged to the University of Central Florida but he withdrew his verbal commitment earlier this year when the NCAA hit UCF’s football and basketball teams with a post-season ban because of recruiting violations.

After that, Benjamin’s finalists were Louisville, Ohio State, USF and West Virginia. Benjamin then conducted official visits and settled on Louisville.

Benjamin finished his senior season at TBT with 35 receptions for 509 yards and five touchdowns, 718 rushing yards and another six TDs on 103 carries and, on defense, four interceptions.

Louisville, a member of the Big East, will play the University of Florida in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2.