Mazeo Bennett Jr., a freshman wide receiver for the South Carolina Gamecocks, has rapidly emerged as a key player in the 2024 season. A Greenville, South Carolina native, Bennett was a four-star recruit from Greenville Senior High School, where he recorded 47 receptions for 857 yards and 14 touchdowns during his junior year. Initially committed to Tennessee, he later chose to play for his home-state Gamecocks, officially joining the team in January 2024.
Bennett’s early enrollment allowed him to participate in spring practices, accelerating his adaptation to the collegiate level. His dedication to studying the playbook and understanding the Gamecocks’ offensive schemes has been evident. He remarked, “Just being able to grasp the concepts as fast as I’ve been able to do it, that’s something that I can pride myself on.”
In his collegiate debut against Old Dominion, Bennett recorded two receptions for 18 yards. The following week, in a matchup against Kentucky, he secured his first career touchdown on a 24-yard reception, contributing to a 31-6 victory. His performance included three catches for 63 yards, showcasing his big-play potential.
Bennett’s impact extends beyond his receiving abilities. Head coach Shane Beamer has praised his physicality and willingness to engage in blocking, a crucial aspect of the Gamecocks’ offensive strategy. Beamer noted, “He’s physical in the run game… he’s going in there, throwing his body around.”
Through the first four games of the season, Bennett has accumulated 11 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns, leading the team in receiving yards. His standout performance against Akron, where he tallied five receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown, earned him the highest grade among freshman wide receivers nationwide for that week, according to Pro Football Focus.
Bennett’s rapid development and contributions have been instrumental in the Gamecocks’ offensive efforts. His combination of athleticism, football intelligence, and work ethic positions him as a rising star in the Southeastern Conference. As the season progresses, Bennett is poised to continue his upward trajectory, further solidifying his role as a cornerstone of South Carolina’s receiving corps.
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