This Bulldog has bite

Much like the resurgent Campus Magnet football program under Eric Barnett, Stephan Benjamin spent much of the 13th annual Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge - the gridiron All-Star game pitting New York City’s best against their counterparts from Long Island - under the radar.
He was on the field, but had just one ball thrown to him, which he caught for a meager gain. When he was on the sideline, the senior kept in close contact to his coaches, following them around, he said, like a hound dog, begging for his opportunity.
And like the Bulldogs, who have quietly made a name for themselves by improving every year under Barnett, winning seven games this season and nearly upsetting PSAL finalist Canarsie in the opening round of the playoffs, Benjamin took advantage when the ball came his way.
He hauled in three consecutive catches in the game-winning 78-yard drive, including the go-ahead touchdown reception, a picturesque, diving eight-yard grab in the back corner of the end zone of a Jeff Legree toss. Benjamin extending his lanky 6-foot-5 frame to haul in the aerial over Long Island’s Clarmell Betts while dragging both feet inbounds with 23 seconds remaining, capping the 21-20 victory in front of 11,005 at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium Tuesday night.
“It felt unbelievable, I have been dreaming of doing that,” said Benjamin, who caught four passes for 30 yards altogether. “I’m blown away right now. It doesn’t get better than this, my last high school game.”
The completion earned Legree the MVP award, but made an even greater statement for Benjamin, who is headed to Division II American International College in Springfield, MA.
Barnett had a difficult time selling college scouts on Benjamin. He didn’t put up huge numbers at Campus Magnet, hauling in 33 receptions for 610 yards and eight touchdowns his final two seasons. But he did almost everything for the Bulldogs, from blocking to lining up on the other side of the ball at linebacker, where he made 26 tackles and two sacks as a senior.
This off-season has seen his emergence. Benjamin, Barnett said, has demonstrated an improved work ethic, and it has showed in two high profile All-Star games, the Governors Bowl last month, pitting the top prospects from New York against New Jersey, when he hauled in a touchdown pass at Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway, N.J. and the Empire Challenge, when he keyed the go-ahead drive.
“It shows me,” Benjamin said, “I’m not a Division II player.”
Benjamin, though, is still developing. When Barnett, the former Christ the King offensive coordinator and Springfield Rifles athletic director, took over three years ago he included Benjamin, then a scrawny, uncoordinated sophomore, on the varsity. He rarely ran routes smoothly; everything he did was awkward. But when his pads were on, Barnett recalled, smiling broadly, he was fearless. Benjamin not only loved contact, he sought out would-be tacklers. Slowly, he has matured as a football player, these off-season exhibitions serving as ample proof.
“He’s still going to be better than what he is now,” Barnett said. “AIC is getting a Division I player.”
Holy Cross’s Tom Pugh, an assistant coach with the city team who has sent numerous players to play college football at the Division I level, wholeheartedly agreed, listing Benjamin’s size, smooth speed and hands as impressive qualities.
“He was catching the ball this week,” Pugh said, referring to workouts leading up to game day, “and he was getting better every day.”
Though disappointed higher programs didn’t bite, Barnett sees no limitations to his star wide out’s future. “You can go to the NFL from any level,” he said. “As long as he keeps working hard he can make it happen.”
Added Benjamin: “At least I’m playing (college) football - that’s what counts.”
AIC is certainly excited about their newest addition. Their wide receivers coach, Mike Rafferty, was on hand to see Benjamin’s dramatics, which added to his optimism. On tape, the Division II school was already impressed with him, but his recent performances against numerous Division I athletes have solidified their confidence.
“He can be one of the freshmen that make an impact,” Rafferty said. “He’s ready to step up and be a big contributor.”