Inglewood, Calif. – He is 5ft 11. At least that’s what the Georgia roster has to say about Stetson Bennett. Maybe that’s why he’s not tall. He also weighs 190, which helps with his speed and quickness, but is also said to be light by football standards.
It certainly wasn’t a problem at the university level.
Bennett capped off one of the best college careers on Monday by defeating TCU 65-7 to lead the Bulldogs to a national championship.
Bennett finished 18-of-25 for 304 yards and 4 touchdown passing, plus 39 yards and 2 TD rushing.
he was absolutely amazing. If Bennett had his 6-3 record, he would have been the #1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. he won’tso no one knows if he can make NFL.
This is probably because of his height, or lingering suspicion from the fact that he was originally a walk-on from Georgia, then went to junior college, then back and the program tried to recruit him every year. Even with his own coach, he was in constant doubt.
“People have been sleeping on Stetson Bennett for a long time,” said coach Kirby Smart. “He needs an opportunity to play at the next level for a long time.”
He may not look like part of the NFL’s quarterbacks, but he also didn’t look like part of the SEC’s quarterbacks, and he eventually dominated that league.
No one is arguing that Bennett should be #1 overall. That said, Alabama’s Bryce Young is no taller than Bennett at just 6 feet.
Also, no one expects him to be a franchise quarterback. But the guy who backs up, develops and contributes, perhaps the next Chase Daniel, not bigger than Bennett at six feet, has been in the league for 14 years (and counting)?
Since 2006, only three quarterbacks under 6 feet and 200 pounds have been drafted, according to ESPN research. 2020). Julian Edelman (7th round 2009) from Kent State University is also there.
Each became a wide receiver in the NFL.
Bennett is fast. He’s likely to record his 4.5 40 on his NFL combine, so transition might be possible too. Alternatively, he may stay in his position.
His coaches say he’s particularly strong in pre-snap readings. “Some of the checks he made, some of the decisions he made [against TCU]really elite,” Smart said.
he is accurate he has a quick release. He usually makes good decisions. He’s 29-3 as a starter. One of the reasons he is is because he is surrounded by extraordinary talent. Tight end Brock Bowers (157 yards) could still be running his way through the streets of LA. Still, he made many of his NFL throws on Monday.
“The fact that he’s playing in the NFL offense for the NFL coordinator [who coached] NFL quarterbacks need to tell people they’re not going to spit out seven-word calls with marbles in their mouths.
Some of his weaknesses are also built in. He’s always “small”, so his way of playing makes up for it. The sense of avoiding hits, changing the angle of his arms to avoid flexing.
This is better than being an inaccurate passer who can’t adapt to next-level smaller windows or faster defensive backs.
Bennett thinks he’s an open book at this point. Some teams don’t like him, others may, but it’s all worth watching.
“I’ve been there long enough that there must be a tape of the game,” he laughs.
As for him telling the NFL, he almost shrugged.
“A hard worker,” said Bennett. “He’s pretty good at football. He’s smart. But they’ll see it. It’ll handle itself.”
There’s no question that Georgia cornerback Kerry Ringo will play in the NFL. He’s an elite prospect and a potential first-round pick. Over the years, he has faced numerous first-round quarterbacks (including his top-tier QBs in this draft his class, Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and Will his Levis). . He actually played against Bennett. He doesn’t feel much different.
“I know he has a lot of doubts, but seeing him every day, I believe he can be an NFL quarterback.” “
As a walk-on, it seemed implausible when he saw little future in Georgia, headed to Jucobol, or nearly signed with Louisiana before a last-minute call sent him back to Athens. Bennett himself said he couldn’t believe it.
But here is the end of Stetson Bennett’s college story, one of the greatest and grandest ever written.
That may not be the end of his football career. Stetson Bennett needs a job and the NFL may not be such a wild idea anymore.