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Alonso's Bennett to appear in TV competition

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By KATHERINE SMITH | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 9, 2009

Updated: 06/09/2009 03:27 pm

TAMPA C.J. Bennett hears it all the time - if he were only two inches taller.

At 6-feet, the Alonso quarterback's height is about the only knock on him, but it just got the rising senior an exclusive invitation.

On Tuesday morning, Bennett received a phone call from event organizers from Football University asking him to participate in a competition this weekend in Philadelphia that will be featured on television. The exact network hasn't been determined. Some of the players taking part, like Bennett, have flown under the radar with college coaches for various reasons.

"My height's been an issue," Bennett said. "I've always just worked through it and it's made me work harder."

Bennett, who led the county last year in passing with 3,017 yards, recently received his first Division I offers from Wyoming and Navy. This weekend's opportunity, which could generate more offers, is part of a busy offseason for Bennett, one that includes a visit to the University of Florida on Tuesday.

He kicked off the offseason with an MVP performance at an exposure camp in Miami, and this past weekend Bennett helped lead Alonso to a championship at a 7-on-7 tournament at UCF. The Ravens offense was a perfect 25-of-25 on scoring drives in defeating teams such as Tallahassee Lincoln, Cypress Creek and West Palm Beach Dwyer for the title.

Alonso begins playing in another 7-on-7 league, which includes Durant, Hillsborough, King, Leto, Middleton and Robinson, at Jesuit today.

"It's been busy, but definitely worth it," Bennett said. "All this work should help me and the team in the regular season."

Bennett leaves for Philadelphia on Friday and begins the competition, which will be led by former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski, on Saturday. The on-field event will be coupled with reality footage of the players off the field for episodes to be aired later. Top competitors will be invited to play in the Hawaii All-Star Football Classic in December.

Other top high school prospects that participated in Football University events include Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor and USC quarterback Matt Barkley.

"I'm definitely excited about this opportunity," Bennett said. "I'm just excited that I will be surrounded by competitors fighting for the same prize."

Reporter Katherine Smith can be reached at (813) 259-7860.

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