DT Bennett talks Oregon State official visit
Hector recaps Beavers, Ducks visit
Larrier says Oregon State is a top choice
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Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei defensive tackle and Oregon State pledge Evan Bennett was one of three official visitors for OSU last weekend.
The morning after a huge win over IMG Academy, Bennett made the trip to Corvallis and had a great time. It was his first visit to OSU since June.
"When I first got up there, they brought me to the game, and after, I got dinner with the coaches and then hung out with my host," Bennett said. "That was on Saturday, and on Sunday, they took me on a campus tour. I got to see the dorms and where some of the players live. Then I had a photo shoot."
Bennett spent time with all of the coaching staff, but had meetings with defensive coaches Legi Suiaunoa, David Lose, and Tim Tibesar, as well as head coach Jonathan Smith.
"My conversations with the defensive coaches was just about my play and how I can benefit from their program and how they can benefit from me," Bennett said. "We talked about how I can fit in when I come in. With Coach Smith, we talked about the program itself and got to know each other better. It was a really good talk -- really eye opening, to see the dynamic of the whole football program and how they care about their athletes on and off the field."
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The other two official visitors on the weekend for OSU football were defensive backs William Nimmo Jr. and Zach Larrier. Nimmo Jr. is Bennett's high school teammate and good friend and is also one of Oregon State's top overall targets.
"He really liked the visit," Bennett said. "I don't think he knew he was going to have that much fun. He went in there and he liked it. He got to see what Oregon State is really about and how he can benefit not only on the field, but off the field. They want you to succeed in every aspect of life. I think that was really an eye-opener for Will -- that they care about you not just about football. They set you up for success for life after football. I think he was really sold on it."
Look for Oregon State to continue to be a factor in the recruitment of Nimmo Jr.
"I think he's going to take a couple of other officials, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Beavs come in as one of his top three [schools]," said Bennett.
Bennett was one of a handful of OSU commits at the game. The Beavers' in-state commits and California linebacker Michael Erhart were at Reser Stadium on Saturday.
"It was an incredible experience to get to hang out with them and the players already at Oregon State," said Bennett. "It was an awesome dynamic. We all fit in together. It was a brotherhood moment. It got me really pumped up about going to Oregon State. I think we can build something incredible there."