VYPE's Big Man on Campus: Seven Lakes' Caleb Benenoch

Click to view image

Caleb Benenoch: Seven Lakes' Big Man On Campus

By Ahmard Vital

Follow on Twitter @ahmardvital

Could this be the year that the Seven Lakes football team breaks through and make a run in the postseason?

Maybe. But if that is going to have a good chance of happening, it will be dictated by the massive front line that the Spartans have on offense. And there is no way the line can be spoken of without mention of the Big Man on Campus in Caleb Benenoch.

Going into this season, Benenoch knew that he was looking to take his game to the next level. But it seems that others expect that as well.

“I have high expectations for myself. But when you are the ‘big guy,’ people either expect you to be great or look for reasons for you to fail,” Benenoch said. “They think you are slow, soft or not strong for your size. They look for a reason and think that you are big for no reason. With that, as a big guy, you have a bit of a chip on your shoulder to prove you are good to yourself and to others.”

And know that a number of people are watching and Benenoch is likely not questioned by anyone. Not only is he the big man on the campus at Seven Lakes, but one could argue that he holds that title for the state as the 6-foot-6, 320-pound big man is one of the best at his position.

But along with his size, there are other things that contribute to his on-field success. You may be interested to know, but Benenoch is somewhat a film rat.

“I prepare myself mentally when I go into battle. First, I get hydrated – because big guys can get dehydrated quickly and cramp up – but then I go through all of the plays in my mind so I know where I need to be,” Benenoch said. “I watch film all week, and even on game day. I go to the coach’s office up until the time the bus leaves and watch film. I want to be ready to play.”

Just a little insight into what he goes into for the pregame. And though he is highly aggressive on the field, that is not the case for the minutes leading up to the action. Where many are listening to high-energy music (Drake and Lil’ Wayne seem to be the favorites across the board), Benenoch takes the easy route, a more laid back approach that includes visualizing and the latest tunes from artist John Legend.

“I don’t need the hype. I just want to go over my plays, stay calm and get ready to take the field,” Benenoch said.

Speaking of getting ready, Benenoch, in addition to making sure his team finishes the season with a winning record, also has to prepare for a major decision that has plenty of scenarios. This past offseason was major for him as his work has landed him in a place where more than 25 college coaches are looking to obtain his signature in February 2013. Benenoch has not named a favorite per se, but the primary schools he speaks of are Texas, Oklahoma, Michigan State, Arkansas, Baylor, and most recently UCLA. Earlier this off season, he decided to commit to Michigan State, but opened things up after reevaluating all the options with his family. At press time, Benenoch had taken some visits and had a number of others planned. He had a September 28 deadline of when he wanted to make a commitment, but with the number of visits and new offers and interest, that date may get pushed back.

“I would like to make my commitment on September 28 when we play Mayde Creek for homecoming,” Benenoch said. “That’s when I would like to do it. But if I’m not comfortable and I’m not able to visit all the schools I would like to, then I won’t do it.”