Bennett is making his return

The 2010 season was a year that Auctavius Bennett just soon forget and rightfully so. Before his junior season ever got started at River Hill (Md.) High School, the 5-foot-7 and 170-pound running back saw his season come to an end with an injury.

But all of that is in the past, said the Clarksville, Md., native.

"I missed all of last year when I snapped a hip muscle in the preseason," said Bennett. "It was frustrating but I didn't let it get me down. I am 100 percent now and just ready to get back on the field.

"We don't have spring ball in Maryland like they do in the Southeast. But I am doing a lot of conditioning things and just getting ready for the summer. I am still working on my speed. The last time I ran it was a 4.5 forty but that was in the 10th grade and I am faster now."

Naturally, college recruiters are wanting to see how Bennett bounces back this year. But he is already drawing interest from several Division 1 schools despite not playing last year.

"I don't have any offers yet and they are mostly waiting to see how I do in my first few games of my senior year," Bennett said. "I am getting interest from Rutgers, Mississippi State, Michigan State, Tulsa, Virginia and I've also talked to UCLA a few times. I went to Rutgers' spring game and I also visited Rutgers and Auburn last fall."

This summer, Bennett plans to keep a hectic schedule and check out some of those schools showing interest. His goal is to display his talents in various camps and give college coaches an up-close view of what he plans to do this fall.

"It will definitely be a busy summer," said Bennett. "I plan on getting down to Mississippi State, North Carolina, West Virginia, Rutgers and East Carolina."

And speaking of the Bulldogs, Bennett said their interest started a few weeks ago and he is anxious to find out more about Dan Mullen's program.

"Coach Angelo Mirando hit me up on Facebook and I've been talking to their coaches since then," said Bennett. "They wanted me there for one of their junior days but I couldn't make it. But I am coming the first week of June for their camp. Their coaches told me they are looking for somebody quick at running back and punt returner. They've told me a lot of good things about Mississippi State and I like what I've heard about their lifting program. So I am anxious to see their facilities and what they have on campus."