Hoosiers Land Second Commit of the Day in Phillip Benker
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Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)
Get the cannon loader a drink because they have been busy on a steamy summer Monday reloading as the Hoosiers have notched three #Booms, Kevin Wilson’s code to let Hoosier Nation know a player has committed to Indiana. Early on Monday evening the Hoosiers put a bow on an already loud day by flipping the commitment of Phillip Benker, of Jacksonville, Florida from UCF. Benker is a three-star wide receiver and is ranked as the 1,746th best prospect nationally by 247 Sports Composite rankings. After pulling three defensive recruits since Saturday Kevin Wilson’s staff finally landed an offensive player. At 6’2” 195 lbs. Benker has the height and frame to be a bigger receiver that the Hoosiers are coveting. Benker’s commitment elevates the 2016 Hoosier recruiting class to 63rd in the nation and 13th in the Big Ten ahead of rival Purdue.
In a conversation via Twitter DM Benker lauded IU's staff for making him "feel like one of them. Every one up there is one big family and they look out for one each other." He joins several commits who have praised the family feel of Indiana, a school he calls "one of the most prestigious universities in the country."
Benker had an impressive junior season at Sandalwood High School hauling in 59 receptions for 1,061 yards and 11 touchdowns. On his highlight tape he shows breakaway speed to burn defenses over the top and run away from defensive backs. He can play both outside and in the slot and is not afraid to take a hit. It looks as if the Hoosiers have found their deep threat of the future. Benker said he is going to play the outside receiver spot and believes he can have "a huge impact coming in with (IU) playing a lot of freshman and (IU) throwing the ball and usuing their outside guys like they do." Benker had offers from Wake Forest, South Florida, Central Florida, as well as bot Florida International and Florida Atlantic before pledging his service to the Hoosiers.