Story
Glades Central receiver Kelvin Benjamin out to prove you can believe the hype
Monday, May 10, 2010
by
Jason Lieser
Photo by Bruce R. Bennett/Palm Beach Post
Kelvin Benjamin hauled in 24 passes for 606 yards last sesaon for Glades Central, but aims for more in his senior year.
When major Division I college football programs such as Florida, Alabama and Southern Cal began pursing Glades Central wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin last season, the 6-foot-5 200-pound junior knew it was mainly because of his size.
While he did catch 24 passes - many of them by simply out-jumping defenders, earning the nickname "Treetop" - for 606 yards and four touchdowns, Benjamin also didn't always give maximum effort, according to coaches.
This year Benjamin, who will be Glades Central's No. 1 receiver, must show that his on-field value is as high as his recruiting stature.
Not an easy thing to do, coaches say, because the scholarship offers are still pouring in, making it harder for Benjamin to block out the noise and concentrate on daily development.
"This is really going to test his character," Glades central coach Jessie Hester said. "His only downfall is a tendency to slack off at times. When you're not used to success and a lot of people patting you on your back, you think you're already there and you tend to coast a little bit."
Benjamin was a luxury receiver last year for the talent-rich Raiders, a Lamborghini in a garage full of Ferraris, but he still did enough to warrant attention from a legion of programs, which also included Miami and Florida State. He said he has not narrowed his list and does not plan to anytime soon.
"It was probably just my size; I know that," he said of the attention from major schools. "I'm definitely going to prove during my senior year what I can do."
Benjamin did not play organized football until his sophomore year of high school and still is an unrefined talent. He is developing quickly, though, and has benefited from the wisdom Hester accrued while playing receiver at FSU and in the NFL.
In addition to Benjamin's height, which makes him one of the area's tallest targets, Benjamin has a wingspan of just over 80 inches and his hands are 9 1/8 inches long from fingertip to wrist.
"He is an absolute freak," Jupiter Christian coach Bill Powers said. "You have to keep him off his routes and not let him get where he's supposed to get to, but that's real hard to do when you're 5-11. If they make good throws, he's going to kill you all day."
Fort Pierce Westwood will see what Powers means when the Panthers visit Glades Central on May 28 for their spring game.
Another rarity is Benjamin's age. He already is 19 and will reach the Florida High School Athletic Association's maximum age of 19 years, 9 months after Glades Central's eighth game this fall. That means he will be ineligible for the final two regular season games, including the Muck Bowl, and the playoffs.
Because of that, Benjamin is considering leaving to enroll in a prep school so he can play a full season, but Hester believes he ultimately will stay at Glades Central through graduation.
Benjamin attributed his age to repeating two grades prior to high school and said a legal issue kept him out of school for an undisclosed period. He declined to elaborate on his past problems, but said he has not been in any significant trouble over the last two years. Glades Central athletic director Henry Cook said Benjamin is on pace to graduate next spring and be eligible to enroll in college immediately afterward.
If Benjamin meets those goals, he could be a precious prize for the college that signs him.
"They're saying he's a program-changer," Hester said. "If you get this kid in your program, it's going to turn around fast. I believe he has that type of ability. He's going to be a fantastic and dynamic football player."
User Comments:
Muck football fan commented on May 10, 2010 at 4:08 p.m.: flag
That boy is a beast
smokestack lightning commented on May 10, 2010 at 8:46 p.m.: flag
he,s 6''5 200 pounds and he is almost 20 years old, why wouldnt he dominate he clearly has the advantage over other high school kids who are in there right grade playing against this grown man.
rank mouth commented on May 11, 2010 at 7:44 a.m.: flag
If the rules allow him to play, then what is he doing wrong? If he plays within the rules, then he is doing what many before have done; nothing new. Its' not always the dumb kid that fails; there could be other hosts of problems facing the kid, but NOW is the time for him to turn himself around.
Jason Lieser commented on May 11, 2010 at 9:05 a.m.: flag
He's playing within the rules. If he stays at Glades Central, he's playing the first 8 games and then he's done. He's not tricking or cheating anyone.
No matter how many times it's been done, it still surprises me when someone rips a high school student like that. I can't believe someone would come on here, call him "dumb" and predict that he won't pass the SAT. I don't know if I'll ever truly grasp what motivates someone to do that.
swissby commented on May 11, 2010 at 9:32 a.m.: flag
Especially when said person doesn't somehow choke on the giant slice of irony they just served up with the statement, "But when your to dumb to pass grades, and your a decent athlete..".
Didn't do too well on the Verbal section, did you, gman?
RAIDER4LYFE commented on May 11, 2010 at 9:55 a.m.: flag
It's a shame that people use stupidity to downgrade children. He has had his share of problems and we should commend him for trying to make it and put all the negative things behind him and press forward. If you ever meet him, he's a humble kid who wants to be better and have college intentions and that's very rare for our kids. For the record he already has a 24 on the ACT. SO BEFORE YOU SPEAK ABOUT OUR KIDS, KNOW YOUR FACTS!!!!
teresa commented on May 11, 2010 at 10:01 a.m.: flag
u rock
Ken Burns commented on May 11, 2010 at 10:29 a.m.: flag
I agree people should not rip this kid without knowing him or his situation. BUT, one of the problems JASON is that you write these stories about high school kids year round even when they are not playing. You contribute to the over importance that is put on these kids as football players. Some of the details you give should be kept quiet. Yes I realize that these stories generate blog hits etc. but these are kids not commodities. It is a shame that we don't see too many articles about the HS athlete who has accomplished tremendous things in the classroom while also playing a sport. It is also a shame that people in the Glades are not up in arms about the D/F rating their school gets. Only a hand full of Football players from a given school will make it due to football but the rest of that student body needs to be prepared for life.
RAIDER4LYFE commented on May 11, 2010 at 10:49 a.m.: flag
I disagree! We are concerned about the ratings of the school. Trust We care more than anyone think we do. It's a shame that sometimes the media don't post our parent involvement stats or the honor roll students or how our parents care about academics more than althelics. Our parents are involved in the lives of their children. Our teachers are over qualified and push the kids to the limits. We have the best teachers in the world. Sometimes no matter how much you push and strive its up to the students. It's just like adults sometimes you can talk until you are blue in the face, if they're not going to do it, they just will not do it...We are more than just a football nation...We have parents that care too!
ray commented on May 11, 2010 at 11:47 a.m.: flag
You know nothing about his life. I am glad he is getting a chanch. It is better to be productive, than being a statistic. Good luck youn man.
Ken Burns commented on May 11, 2010 at 11:50 a.m.: flag
I am so glad to hear that. You sound like you have a great perspective. You should be very proud of your Football team's tradition. Basically, I am saying that this reporter focuses too much on the "stars" and the dirt on them and their coaches .I realize it's all about selling papers and blog hits. I think that kids from the Glades succeed in many things not just football. Unfortunately this story exposes a kid who had academic problems and plays football. It just adds to the stereotypes out there
Ken Burns commented on May 11, 2010 at 11:52 a.m.: flag
I was responding to Raider4lyfe. Ray, I am protesting the fact that this reporter put this young man and his grades up for public scrutiny. I too am glad he is getting a chance
Jason Lieser commented on May 11, 2010 at 12:07 p.m.: flag
The only thing mentioned about his grades is that the AD says he is on pace to graduate next spring and be eligible to enroll in college after that. It's a very minor, but relevant, part of the story.
Ken Burns commented on May 11, 2010 at 12:12 p.m.: flag
Actually it talks about him having to repeat 2 grades (left back). Jason , you should know by now that I just like busting your chops (bored at work) You do a real good job with HS sports.I just love to stir up people who think this stuff matters in the world,,,,, See ya in another topic soon. Ken
Jason Lieser commented on May 11, 2010 at 12:22 p.m.: flag
Yes, I am aware. I'm sure if we ever met up we'd have a really fun time.
He could have repeated those grades for any number of reasons, by the way. I do not have the specific information on that. It is not publicly available, nor should it be unless he chooses to share it.
And just to clarify, when I write about individuals in sports (coaches, players, etc...) at any level, my intent is to provide a fair and complete view of that person's life. Rarely is it all positive or all negative. I think that's obvious to most people.
Riviera Beach commented on May 11, 2010 at 3:41 p.m.: flag
That is the stereotype you like to feed into to. That is like saying all those Welly boys overdosing on preciption drugs just feeds into the stereo type of that town. Ken Burns it is people like you that have to point out the bad sides of Belle Glade. Not the community that is strong and the people who try to better the situation. I don't find humor in your statements one bit. So you know for a fact that nobody in Belle Glade is up in arms about the productivity of the school. His academic problems were in middle school. Do you have any idea what a youth in Belle Glade faces growing up. Probably not but you are quick to knock them down. Besides Jason writes articles on all topics relating to high school football. Jacoby Brissett is a stand up young man and he just did a very nice story on him. Sorry not every player can have a perfect upbringing but that is the culture we live in.
Former G.C football 06 commented on May 11, 2010 at 3:57 p.m.: flag
To Riviera Beach that good you understands what muck kids have to deal with growing up.
D-LUV commented on May 11, 2010 at 4:14 p.m.: flag
I lived 52 years in BG....taught at GC for 32...know the city, people, and school.
I feel half of what everyone here has said is correct and the other half incorrect.
BG is a tough town. The school goes through so much stress to meet the expectations of the FCAT, the student is accidently lost in the shuffling of papers by those in power to place blame. ALL high schools have a difficult time getting parents of difficult kids out to the school. Most parents of GC kids do care, but so many of them came through the same system. When I retired from teachiing, I was teaching the kids of my first students and the grandkids of my GC classmates kids. One thing is true though......If the community got as upset about the school's low FCAT, ACT, and other ratings as they DO when the football team loses to Pahokee or goes 8-2, maybe things could change. I saw many high and many low points when I taught at GC, but none lower than what is occuring there now. I know I busted my chops at GC for 32 years and loved all but the last two years. Now I'm working at another school (out of county) similar to GC and find problems so alike, it is amazing. It's all about the kids..whatever schools do, it is all about the kids. Even if we fail, it is always about the kids.
D-LUV commented on May 11, 2010 at 4:17 p.m.: flag
OOPPS...left this out......I taught this student when he was in the 9th grade.
THETRUTH commented on May 11, 2010 at 5:25 p.m.: flag
Slow down on the Jason Leisure praise. Thanks for highlighting a young man that does have a ways to grow. But when are we going to highlight other sports at Glades Central. They have had other athletes that deserve some praise and mention. And the truth is the community supports football in terms of sports. The other sports well good luck. No disputing that!!!! To a certain extent nothing wrong with that but the community, school staff as well as Jason leisure need to pay a little more attention to the other sports. Hey congrats to Kelvin!!!!!!!!!!
T-Money commented on May 12, 2010 at 7:58 a.m.: flag
D-Luv makes great points. Why would any community keep running off good football coaches just because they lose a game to a rival or don't win a state title, Yes, GC has lots of talent but so do other teams. Let Coach Hester run that program for the next 10 years and you'll have a better chance of having a team that goes to states year after year than if you change coaches every 2-3 years.
lumpyhead commented on May 12, 2010 at 10:54 a.m.: flag
d-luv is cool like that he taught me an does know the belle glade people and about glades central. d-luv jus tellin it like it is. what t-money jus said also is true. i remember the good days of glades central but those days an that school is gone it is jus a building....
Gatorbait commented on September 3, 2010 at 10:39 p.m.: flag
I'm a Army National Guard recruiter in the state of Minnesota. I had the opportunity to meet Kelvin during a 7-on-7 skills competition held by the Vikings. The first thing I recognized was the obvious. His stature and amazing football skills. After speaking with him, his character really over shadows his athletic abilities. I'm a huge fan of this young man. I honestly believe with or without football Kelvin will do great things.
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