Coach | 2021 OL Rayshaun Benny A "Notre Dame-Type Kid"
Rayshaun Benny would fit at a lot of schools, possibly Notre Dame more than others.
“He’s a super kid,” Oak Park head coach Greg Carter said of the 2021 Michigan offensive lineman. “He’s a Notre Dame type of kid.”
The Irish certainly believe that evidenced by the scholarship offer they sent to the 6-foot-4, 270-pounder last week.
“He’s an excellent student,” Carter continued. “He’s just the ultimate team player. He’s gotten better every year. He’s a hard worker. He’s the kind of kid that any coach would want on their team.
“We’ve had some pretty good linemen the last couple years, but he’s probably been the best…The last two years, Rayshaun has been bombing it. He’s a helluva football player.”
Carter and his staff weren’t sure where to play Benny when he first arrived and his isn’t sure where he’ll end up in college either.
“When he was a ninth-grader, we couldn’t decide whether to play him at tight end or offensive line,” Carter recalled. “We decided to play him at offensive line. He’s just so athletic for that position. He’s not overweight. He’s a guy who’s really, really flexible. He’s got great hips. He’s athletic and I think that’s his biggest attribute.
“Plus, he has a mean streak. He’s just so dominant. He’s real physical. He finishes his blocks. I don’t know if he’s going to be a defensive lineman in college or an offensive lineman, he’s that special.”
Benny’s offer sheet also includes schools like Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, LSU, Georgia, Florida State, Auburn, Texas A&M and Oregon among many others.
Carter says Benny will give the Irish a serious look.
“Oh, without a doubt,” he said. “Any time Notre Dame comes calling, those kids definitely listen. He’s the kind of kid who is definitely interested in academics.
“You can’t say no to Notre Dame without definitely looking into it because it’s such a good academic school and athletically, they’re phenomenal. I’m sure that’s a school he’ll definitely strongly consider.”
Carter coached former Irish receiver and current Notre Dame strength and conditioning assistant David Grimes during his high school career at St. Martin de Porres.
“He’s that type of kid,” Carter said of Benny. “I think David would be a good influence on him.”
With in-person recruiting visits on hold because of COVID-19 concerns, Carter is encouraging his players to really dig into the colleges they’re considering.
“Now is a good time to really look into these programs. You’ve got a lot of idle time. Sit down and really think of the programs you’re considering, check out the coaches, look at the rosters and understand what the school can actually do for you. I just encourage my guys to really look at the schools they’re considering. They have an unusual amount of time to study them and figure out what’s best for them?