Heath Benedict

Infobox NCAA Athlete
color = LightSteelBlue
fontcolor = Black
name = Heath Benedict


caption =
college = Newberry
conference = SAC
sport = Football
jersey = 74
position = OT
class = Senior
major = Business
minor =
nickname =
career_start = 2004
career_end = 2007
height = 6 ft 4.75 in (195 cm)
weight = 326lbs
nationality = USA
birth_date = June 30 1983
birth_place = Tilburg, Netherlands
death_date = death date and age|2008|3|26|1983|06|30
death_place = Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
highschool = Peddie School,
Hightstown, NJ
former_school(s)= Tennessee
career_highlights = Y
awards = 2006 Jacobs Blocking Trophy, 2007 Jacobs Blocking Trophy
honors = 2007 1st team All-American by AP and D2football.com, 2007 Gene Upshaw Award Finalist, 1st team All-SAC (2005, 2006, 2007)
records =
championships =
championship_list =
bowl_games = 2008 Senior Bowl
bowl_list =
tournaments =
tournament_list =

Heath Benedict (June 30 1983 – March 26 2008) was a Dutch American football player. An offensive tackle, Benedict was considered to be one of the top offensive linemen prospects for the 2008 NFL Draft. [ [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/08/29/draft.2008/1.html SI.com: NFL Draft 2008 preview: Offense] ]

Benedict was born in Tilburg, The Netherlands, to American citizens: Ed Benedict, a former high school star athlete from Youngsville, Pennsylvania, and Holly Devore. After his birth, the family moved to Greer, South Carolina, where Benedict grew up playing baseball, basketball, and soccer. Benedict was originally a talented baseball prospect, with fastballs reaching the low 90's by the time he reached high school. Unfortunately, after his freshman year Benedict had surgery on his pitching elbow to have bone spurs removed. Instead of letting this setback deter him, Benedict began playing football, a sport he found he naturally excelled at.

After his sophomore year, Benedict transferred from Riverside High School in Greer to the Peddie School in New Jersey to focus on football. It was there that Benedict mastered his craft. Upon completion of his senior season in 2003, he was considered the top football prospect in the state of New Jersey. Benedict was the Number 7 Parade All-American in that year as well. He had scholarship offers from all major Division 1 programs. Benedict chose to visit Tennessee, South Carolina, Miami, Florida State, and Oklahoma (which was canceled after his decision to attend the University of Tennessee).

He originally signed to play for the University of Tennessee but played right tackle at Newberry College. Benedict left school with one semester of classes remaining to pursue an NFL career, and participated in the Senior Bowl (being the only Division II player since 2004 to do so) as well as the NFL Scouting Combine.

Benedict died suddenly in his home in Jacksonville, Florida on March 26 2008. Authorities do not suspect foul play and the cause of his death was an enlarged heart.

References

External links

* [http://newberryindians.athleticsite.com/profile.asp?playerID=273 Official player profile]
* [http://warroomreport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=110&Itemid=51 2008 NFL Draft Scouting Report]
* [http://timesobserver.com/articles.asp?articleID=7655 Heath Benedict, an offensive lineman with local ties, found dead in Florida apartment] . Warren Times Observer.