"We both see it (competition) as fun," added the always personable
Bryon Bennett. "It gets us amped up. We have become famous because of it.
Everybody knows how much we like to beat each other, but the competition makes
us better. We find new ways to keep us in the game by competing against each
other. I mean, sometimes you might be way up in a game, and you need something
to keep you motivated. It keeps us going 100% all the time. It keeps it fresh.
Everyone around here laughs at us because we are so competitive against one
another, but it is nothing personal. Cartlon Martin knows how I feel about him,
and I know how he feels about me. It makes both of us better."
Competition aside, Madison Central continues to march its way to its first 6A
State Championship title as the Jaguars dismantled Starkville 63-27 in the first
round of the playoffs last Friday.
"We played pretty good. The defense gave up too many TD's, but three of
them came when we put in our JV team. On the second or third play of the game,
Carlton hit the QB, and I scooped it up for a 67 yard TD. I finished with 8
tackles, 1/2 sacks, a forced fumble, and a defensive touchdown."
The friendly competition between Bryon and Carlton can be seen once again when
asked about his season stats.
"I have 66 tackles and 11 1/2 sacks. I am leading our defense in sacks
and third in tackles. Tyrece McDonald has 70 something tackles and Carlton has
69. He is three above me. Carlton has to wave that in front of my face every
day at practice, but that is alright, I got him in sacks by a landslide. He
only has 3 1/2 sacks, so it is not even close (laugh)."
Could Bennett envision himself playing with Martin on the next level?
"I really would not mind it. I think it would be great competition for
both of us. I would love to show him on the next level that I am better. He
does too (laugh). We are talking about it more seriously now. All he is talking
about is Ole Miss. I do not even think there is anyone else he is really interested
in. I think he is getting ready to commit to them. We have been talking about
playing together there more and more often lately."
The pair actually traveled up North to see the Rebels play for the fourth time
this season.
"It was really good. When I went to the game, I was not expecting Ole Miss
to beat Tennessee like that. I mean, I thought they were going to win, but not
like that. Dexter McCluster was great. He was running up and down the field
like a wild man. He had me jumping out of my seat the whole game. I brought
my girlfriend with me and she had a good time. I just watched how (Coaches Tyrone)
Nix and (Terry) Price coached. I love how fired up they get down there (on the
field)."
Bryon has mainly been recruited as a defensive tackle, but Ole Miss is now talking
about Bryon maybe getting a look at DE.
"They got me, Carlton (Martin), and Carlos Thompson together earlier this
year after a game and told us that we would be competing against each other
for a starting slot at defensive end. If that does not work out, they told me
and Carlton that we could get a look at tackle, but I like getting after the
QB and the fastest way to get to him is to come off of the edge. I just like
the way Ole Miss has a multiple defense where they line up in the 4-3, 3-4,
5-2. I like the options and diversity that gives you . They slide their ends
to play linebacker sometimes. I do not know. I think that is pretty neat how
they use their linemen."
Is it safe to say that Ole Miss has been more and more on Bryon's mind as of
late?
"Absolutely. A lot of people around here are big Ole Miss people, and I
have been thinking about them more and more. A lot of people ask me where they
rank, and I tell them that they are rising to the top. It started out rocky
(with Ole Miss), but I like where they are going as a team and as a program.
They are starting to hit their stride now. They have a lot of pluses compared
to the other schools."
If Carlton were to commit to Ole Miss; would that be another feather in the
Rebel's cap?
"I would say so although I have never thought about that. I think he is
a pretty good player. I think I am better (laugh), but I think it would be a
definite plus for me if Carlton goes there."
Bennett was scheduled to visit Baylor officially last weekend with Carlton,
but the playoff schedule got in the way. It looks like the same problem might
prevent the pair from going on their Texas Tech visit this weekend.
"We were supposed to visit TTech this weekend, but I let them know tonight
that I will probably be rescheduling it because we would have to fly out right
after our playoff game. I would prefer to do it after the season, so I think
me and Carlton are going to reschedule it after the state championship game.
I need to focus on my grades, ACT test, and winning a state championship."
How are his grades coming along?
"I am doing fine. I am trying to get at least a 20/21 on the ACT test.
I have a 17 right now, but my composite score might be an 18 overall. I spoke
with Coach (Derrick) Nix (at Ole Miss) the other day, and he told me that I
was eligible right now as long as I finish out my classes and graduate. That
felt good to know that I am on track, but I still want to continue to shoot
for a 20 or a 21 on the ACT test. . Carlton scored a point higher than me on
the (ACT) test, so you know I can't let him do that to me (laugh). He always
rags me about how much smarter he is than me. I will get the last laugh because
I do not even think he has been retaking the test. He probably does not even
know that I have been retaking it. Hopefully by the time he does find out, I
will have already passed him, and it will be too late for him to re-up me (laugh)."
Outside of Ole Miss; who are the main schools that Bryon is focusing in on right
now?
"Oklahoma is kind of like the new kid on the block. They offered me a few
weeks back, and I want to go out there and check them out. They have done well
in the past, and they are always ranked high. They are a big time school that
gets a lot of exposure and play on national TV a lot. I am going to do a little
more research on them and see where they stack up against the other schools.
Alabama has not been calling me as much as they were. I do not know what is
going on with that. I am about to find out. Syracuse has been doing pretty good
even though they have lost some games. They have been playing pretty good lately.
Kentucky is doing OK. They are up and down but they have righted the ship, I
think. Texas Tech is doing pretty well. I mean, I am still interested in all
of the schools who have offered me, but those are the ones I have kept a pretty
close eye on lately."
Any future unofficial visits on tap?
"I think we are going to the OM/LSU game this weekend. It should be a pretty
good game. It is at home, and I think Ole Miss will pull it out and get into
the Top 25. We will definitely be going to the OM/LSU game if we do not go to
the TTech/Oklahoma game."
Before Saturday arrives; Scout.com's #38 nationally ranked defensive tackle
has a showdown against Scout.com's #8 rated offensive tackle.
"We have Olive Branch Friday in the second round. I hear Damien Robinson
is talking a little smack. I heard he was saying that I would need to put on
a dress after he gets done with me. I can't wait to roll him. I can't wait to
face him and smack him in the mouth one good time. I have all the respect in
the world for Olive Branch, but you can't be talking all of that smack like
that. I read in the paper where some coach said they have a better defense than
ours. We are out to prove all of the naysayers wrong."
And if Madison Central were to get by Olive Branch; the state's most anticipated
match up could be on the horizon.
"Man, we want South Panola so badly. We would love to get that opportunity.
They were the first team to beat us on our field last year. They ended our season.
I think Clinton has a chance to beat them, but I hope they do not. We want to
be the ones to end their season this year. I still have a sour taste in my mouth
from that game. This is my last go around to play the Olive Branch's and South
Panola's of the world. I plan to make the most out of it and just have some
fun. This is what high school football is all about."
Yancy Porter is the Recruiting Manager for the State of Mississippi and he
can be reached at yporter@scout.com
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