TBT’s Benjamin drops commitment to UCF

Posted Aug 21, 2012 by Bill Ward

Updated Aug 21, 2012 at 07:59 PM

Tampa Bay Tech wide receiver/running back/defensive back Richard Benjamin has informed the coaching staff at the University of Central Florida he has withdrawn his verbal commitment to the school, Titans head coach Jayson Roberts told the Tampa Tribune on Tuesday evening.

“I think he (Benjamin) is a little concerned about whether that (coaching) staff is going to be there next year,’’ Roberts said. ‘‘He’s just a little uncomfortable with that situation and wants to open it (the recruiting process) up again.’‘

Last month, the NCAA banned UCF from the football and basketball post-seasons because of recruiting violations. The NCAA said UCF ‘‘exhibited a lack of institutional control and was responsible for impermissible recruiting activities and extra benefits’’ with a third-party outside recruiter. The school was also hit with five years of probation, a $50,000 fine and reductions in scholarships for both sports.

Roberts said Benjamin’s finalists now include Louisville, Texas A&M and West Virginia. He said Benjamin planning his official visits to these schools, which will likely come this fall.