BREAKING | 2024 S Taebron Bennie-Powell Commits To Notre Dame
A long process came to a relatively abrupt ending for Taebron Bennie-Powell this week.
The 2024 Ohio safety camped at Notre Dame last Thursday and left with an offer in hand.
He also left with a good idea where he was going to college.
The Lakota West High School standout had already earned scholarship offers from schools like Duke, Pitt, West Virginia, Kentucky and UMass among others, but the Irish offer was clearly the biggest.
“I was definitely excited,” Bennie-Powell told ISD following the offer.
And today, the 6-foot-1, 170-pounder announced his commitment to Notre Dame, giving the Irish their 20 verbal pledge in the Class of 2024 and second safety prospect, joining Kennedy Urlacher.
“It's just the culture, the family atmosphere and the coaches, how they coach,” Bennie-Powell said of his decision.“It felt like a family when I was there with the coaches being around there. It just felt like a family. It felt like home.”
Irish safeties coach Chris O’Leary especially made a big impression on Bennie-Powell during the visit last week.
“He’s got a lot energy,” Bennie-Powell said of O’Leary. “I love him, though. I love him.”
The decision clearly went beyond football.
“I like the life-after-football opportunities, if football doesn't work out with the next level, what they can do for you afterward,” he said.
Lakota West head coach Tom Bolden weighed in after the Irish offered Bennie-Powell.
“I gotta expand on this one,” the head coach said via Twitter. “He did what was best for his team junior year ‘playing out of his position’ cuz of 2 dudes at safety. Never complained, owned it. Watched him at his ‘natural’ position this spring and summer and... HE'S THE BEST DUDE OUT THERE AT IT!”
Bolden was referring to current Irish freshman Ben Minich and current Ohio State freshman Malik Hartford as the two “dudes” in front of Bennie-Powell at safety last season.
Bennie-Powell told ISD he is looking forward to returning to safety.
“I'm definitely excited to go back to my position,” he said. “Last year, I just did what was best for the team, I didn't complain or nothing. But now I'm back to my actual position, so I'm definitely excited.”
Indiana safety Brauntae Johnson is set to announce his college decision on Saturday with the Irish considered a favorite to land him as well, which may or may not finish the position for Notre Dame this cycle.
Either way, Bennie-Powell is happy to have his recruitment finished.
“It's relieving, it's relieving.”
Film Don’t Lie | S Taebron Bennie-Powell
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