Bennett transfers to Sac State

[mrbig864]

I think this could be a good fit for Bennett And the Hornets. He has a similar style to Thompson, who just moved on to UW.


https://www.sacbee.com/sports/college/article244572117.html

 

[ThunderRam]

Heard about this yesterday. It was widely speculated that he could wind up back in SAC once he re-entered the transfer portal a week or so ago. I’m glad he chose the Hornets this time around.

I brought this up on twitter and both JoeD and Cameron Salerno of the Bee picked up on it and retweeted. In 2018, Sac State had zero Folsom players on roster. With Ariel Ngata and now Kaiden Bennett transferring in from UW and Nevada respectively, they now have NINE Folsom players on roster.

Also, in addition to Bennett, JoeD and Salerno have also reported that former Del Oro standout Trey Udoffia has transferred in as well. He is a graduate transfer from Colorado of the Pac-12.

Circling back to the QB position, the Hornets look like they are in real good shape. They return Jake Dunniway and also added 3 star recruit Yaro Dulvalko this past recruiting period. Now they add Bennett, also a 3 star recruit, to the mix.

If we ever get back to playing again, the future is really looking bright for the Hornets program.

 

[larry legend33]

Nice to see Sac state getting some players but I’m not a big fan of Bennett in terms of what he will bring. I thought it was a big stretch for him at Boise and he realized he was in over his head and at UNR he wasn’t going to play over Carson Strong so now he’s back at 3rd school in as many of years. At this rate he will be at Chapman or Redlands next year.

 

[mistark]

I think it speaks to level of trust he has in the Sac St staff that coached him at Folsom. It is a win-win for Sac St. The staff will play the best guy, if Dunniway is the starter then that means he beat out a guy with all the background, connections and knowledge of the offense. If Bennet can't be the starter, he is still a FCS college level football player that can fit at multiple spots. I would love to have an athlete with the knowledge of a qb be able to make all the sight adjustments, hot calls and in-game feedback that will only make the offesne better.

 

[ThunderRam]

Nice to see Sac state getting some players but I’m not a big fan of Bennett in terms of what he will bring. I thought it was a big stretch for him at Boise and he realized he was in over his head and at UNR he wasn’t going to play over Carson Strong so now he’s back at 3rd school in as many of years. At this rate he will be at Chapman or Redlands next year.

You’re assumptions are a bit off, LL.

JoeD wrote a nice piece about it yesterday. Here are some quotes/excerpts that dispel your reasoning for his transfers.

He explained why his third transfer is the right one and final one — and that he is not an unsettled vagabond quarterback.

Bennett said he transferred to Nevada not because he didn’t earn the starting job as a true freshman at Boise State, contrary to social media fan speculation, but because he felt obligated to be with his father. Derek, who turns 50 in August, had surgery in March and has been deemed cancer-free by his doctor, he said.

“When Dad told me he had cancer, it really hit me hard, and I cried,” Bennett said. “He’s such a tough person, a stand-up guy, and I never thought he’d get sick, because to me, he’s like Superman. I could tell something was wrong. I just had that feeling. I wanted to be near him, with him, especially if the cancer got really bad. If it turned out to be his final days, I wanted to at least be there.”

Derek said the cancer scare, “was my wake-up call, because I didn’t think I had cancer and only went in because that’s what you’re supposed to do at this age. Had I not gone in, cancer would have taken over my body and probably killed me by now. We have no family history of cancer. It was scary.

“I knew it shook up Kaiden. Told him last July, and he acted like he was strong, but he was upset. Told him not to worry, that I’ll be OK, but he was set on it, so he packed up and drove home to Reno.”

Derek added, “I told my son that he gave up Boise State to be with me and now it’s time for him to do what he needs to, to go be happy. He’s 19 years old. He got to Boise at 17. At 18, he made his first real big decision, to transfer to Nevada. That’s a lot for a young guy. At Sac State, I know Kaiden will be in good hands with Troy and Kris. We’re so excited.”

“I feel like this is coming home, to Sacramento, where it feels right,” Bennett said. “It’s exciting. It really feels like a second chance. It feels good and it feels right. Dad and I stopped by that field in Sparks where it all started for me, when I first played, and we talked about my dreams of playing college football, how far I’d come. We reflected on life and football. We needed that clarity of what I need to do next.”

Read more here: https://www.sacbee.com/sports/college/article244572117.html#storylink=cpy

It sounds to me like UNR wasn’t his top choice, but rather more of a convenient one to be close to his dad during a tough time. And he was a walk on with no guarantee of a scholarship.

Now that his dad has a clean bill of health, he’s opting to move to a location and play for coaches he’s very familiar and comfortable with.

With regard to his future at QB at Sac State, he has the advantage of knowing the coaches and the base of their system. And his dual threat ability fits the Hornets offense to a T.

That said, his size could he an issue and he’s seemingly got a challenger in Yaro Dulvalko who has much better size at 6’3”.

If Jake Dunniway doesn’t have a leg up to start the next year or two, Bennett might find it difficult competing with Dulvalko once he learns and develops. But that’s a great problem for Sac State to have IMO.

 

[RedZone90]

Nice to see Sac state getting some players but I’m not a big fan of Bennett in terms of what he will bring. I thought it was a big stretch for him at Boise and he realized he was in over his head and at UNR he wasn’t going to play over Carson Strong so now he’s back at 3rd school in as many of years. At this rate he will be at Chapman or Redlands next year.

That’s no “gimme” to start at those programs either! The sophomore QB at Redlands transferred from AZ State. Many of these players at the top private school programs had D1 offers, but chose the private school route to play and get a top education.

 

[mrbig864]

... now he’s back at 3rd school in as many of years.

Actually, 3rd school in 2 years. He didn’t use any eligibility at Nevada. I think he still has 4 years of eligibility. Don’t think he saw any time at Boise.

 

[ThunderRam]

Actually, 3rd school in 2 years. He didn’t use any eligibility at Nevada. I think he still has 4 years of eligibility. Don’t think he saw any time at Boise.

Indeed he does.

 

[WWHS44]

Transfer track record:
Folsom
Boise
UNR
Sac State
Do you want to invest a scholarship?

 

[larry legend33]

Transfer track record:
Folsom
Boise
UNR
Sac State
Do you want to invest a scholarship?

My point exactly. I wouldn’t. Always some sad story when press gets in touch . but somebody is steering these kids and they end up never being established.

He’s 5”11 and played in a great system at Folsom with D1 players all around him. Great HS player. I just don’t see him doing much at sac state. Maybe he switches to receiver.

 

[Streak One]

I won't question a story like this. Whether it is the sole reason he made these moves or not is not a big deal in this latest move.

This is a big get for Sacramento State and fills a void in the QB room.

it is the type of move Sacramento State can make that a high end MWC/Pac-12 school would probably pass on

 

[Bubba3000]

I won't question a story like this. Whether it is the sole reason he made these moves or not is not a big deal in this latest move.

This is a big get for Sacramento State and fills a void in the QB room.

it is the type of move Sacramento State can make that a high end MWC/Pac-12 school would probably pass on

I'm with you Streak. People in the know realize that the level of play in the Big Sky Conference is no joke and Sac State is right there in the mix for the conference title

 

[Bubba3000]

I won't question a story like this. Whether it is the sole reason he made these moves or not is not a big deal in this latest move.

This is a big get for Sacramento State and fills a void in the QB room.

it is the type of move Sacramento State can make that a high end MWC/Pac-12 school would probably pass on

I'm with you Streak. People in the know realize

 

[ThunderRam]

Transfer track record:
Folsom
Boise
UNR
Sac State
Do you want to invest a scholarship?

Some of you guys really go over board trying to sell a point.

We get it. He’s transferred twice. And you guys don’t like it whatever his reasons were.

But listing Folsom and Boise under his ‘transfer record’ is disingenuous and flat incorrect.

The kid started out at Folsom as a freshman and graduated from there. That’s not a transfer.
Then he enrolled at Boise straight out of HS. That also isn’t a transfer.

Be factual.

His two transfers are from Boise to UNR and now UNR to Sac.

His transfer from Boise to UNR has been pretty well explained and is certainly understandable, no? How many of you wouldn’t have done the same under the same set of circumstances?

So essentially you guys are piling on the kid for choosing to now transfer from UNR to Sac.

Good. Great. Wonderful. Grand.

 

[ThunderRam]

He’s 5”11 and played in a great system at Folsom with D1 players all around him. Great HS player. I just don’t see him doing much at sac state. Maybe he switches to receiver.

This is the one valid point you’ve got. His size might very well be an issue IMO. We shall find out soon (hopefully).

Regarding his primary reason for transferring from Boise, it’s ok to admit you are wrong LL. Cause you are. Proof was provided straight from the horses mouth.

I have no problem with you not being wowed by the kid as a football player or thinking he won’t develop into a good QB. That’s quite fair. But trashing him over two transfers, one of which is certainly understandable, is a bit heavy handed.

 

[ThunderRam]

I won't question a story like this. Whether it is the sole reason he made these moves or not is not a big deal in this latest move.

This is a big get for Sacramento State and fills a void in the QB room.

it is the type of move Sacramento State can make that a high end MWC/Pac-12 school would probably pass on

I agree that it’s potentially a big get. If Bennett is really as good as his recruiting rating, then it very well may be. But he’s got to prove it out on the field first.

Also, I’m not certain SAC had a void in the QB room. Losing Thomson and his experience certainly hurt, but Dunniway showed he was capable of partially filling those shoes and they landed 3 star recruit Yaro Duvalko and Jayden Machado this past recruiting period.

 

[Streak One]

I agree that it’s potentially a big get. If Bennett is really as good as his recruiting rating, then it very well may be. But he’s got to prove it out on the field first.

Also, I’m not certain SAC had a void in the QB room. Losing Thomson and his experience certainly hurt, but Dunniway showed he was capable of partially filling those shoes and they landed 3 star recruit Yaro Duvalko and Jayden Machado this past recruiting period.

Definitely has to prove it be based on HS play, it appears he can contribute here. I was speaking more in terms of depth and since you don’t bring in big groups of quarterbacks, one transferring late can throw off the roster balance a little.

 

[mrbig864]

Transfer track record:
Folsom
Boise
UNR
Sac State
Do you want to invest a scholarship?

Pretty big stretch to call Folsom a ‘transfer’, as an 8th grader. Plus how can a kid transfer from HS to College? Please enlighten us.

At the end of the day, Sac St has a open QB slot, and scholarship. Is there some inherent risk based on his resume? Sure. Would I offer a scholarship under the circumstances (and first hand knowledge and existing relationship between player and coach)? Yep

 

[northbayfb]

I actually like this over the Hale commitment. When I evaluate QBs I go to their toughest games. Did the offense perform because of him or in spite of him. Only the 14-0 loss to DLS did his 2 interceptions cost them. In both state title games he was the spark behind their wins. In his last game against Cathedral Catholic he accounted for 398 of 410 total yards. It helped that he had 4 D1 players at the other skill positions but it’s impressive nonetheless.

 

[ThunderRam]

Definitely has to prove it be based on HS play, it appears he can contribute here. I was speaking more in terms of depth and since you don’t bring in big groups of quarterbacks, one transferring late can throw off the roster balance a little.

Agreed.

 

[ThunderRam]

I actually like this over the Hale commitment. When I evaluate QBs I go to their toughest games. Did the offense perform because of him or in spite of him. Only the 14-0 loss to DLS did his 2 interceptions cost them. In both state title games he was the spark behind their wins. In his last game against Cathedral Catholic he accounted for 398 of 410 total yards. It helped that he had 4 D1 players at the other skill positions but it’s impressive nonetheless.

I do remember his performance against DLS wasn't very good. But you're right that he was very good in all the other tough games.

Regarding Dorian Hale, I wonder if this transfer by Bennett will change his decision? Even if Hale redshirted his 1st year, he'd potentially have both Bennett and Duvalko competing against him as both Juniors. If Duvalko redshirts this upcoming season, then Bennett would be a JR. and the Duvalko a RS Soph.

It'll be interesting to see how that plays out. I'd really like to see what Troy Taylor and Bobby Freques can do with Dorian Hale -- who I think is quite talented but clearly doesn't get to show it all off in DLS's veer offense.

 

[mistark]

Imo, I think Bennett is more ready to be a QB than Hale rt now at the college level. I would have to really watch film and understand what Folsom was trying to do vs what DLS was trying to do in their pass game. We have prepared for Folsom and only competed in 7on7 vs DLS so its not a fair comparison at this point. 2 totally different O's and what they are asked to do. Hale seems like a high grade FB player though, I look fwd to watching him compete. Its tough to say compare the 2 vs each other, the DLS Defense is lights out and does not make mistakes...they are one of the most sound fundamental D's in California, the Folsom Defense is good but has not been on the same level as DLS.

 

[mrbig864]

The fact that we are having this sort of conversation about Sac State football, and discussing 3/4 quality players, for the QB position alone, shows how far this team has progressed in a short period of time. #StingersUp

 

[ThunderRam]

The fact that we are having this sort of conversation about Sac State football, and discussing 3/4 quality players, for the QB position alone, shows how far this team has progressed in a short period of time. #StingersUp

I frequent a Sac State message board and one of the members recently posted a list of the highest rated recruits the program has landed and most of them are from the past couple recruiting classes. Just goes to show how far the new staff has been knocking the ball out of the park in such a short amount of time.

 

[mrbig864]

I frequent a Sac State message board and one of the members recently posted a list of the highest rated recruits the program has landed and most of them are from the past couple recruiting classes. Just goes to show how far the new staff has been knocking the ball out of the park in such a short amount of time.

yep. I’d like like to follow that message board if you’d share it?

 

[ThunderRam]

yep. I’d like like to follow that message board if you’d share it?

No problem. Keep in mind, it’s not a super active board. Really only a small core of fans post on the football and basketball subforums. But with the team starting to win, it might get more active.

Also, it is connected to other Big Sky member message boards so sometimes those fans stumble over during game weeks.

https://bigskyfans.com/hornets/

 

[ILOVETROJANFOOTBALL]

I think this could be a good fit for Bennett And the Hornets. He has a similar style to Thompson, who just moved on to UW.


https://www.sacbee.com/sports/college/article244572117.html

Good for him and Sac State. Great to see the starting QB of the area's best-ever high school team return to town.

 

[MC415]

I think it’s a great match for both

 

[BigMann08]

Glad to hear that Sac State is attracting local talent! It is my hope that the program becomes home of all or most of the local talent. Between SJS High schools, ARC, Sac City, Sierra, and surrounding JuCos-- Sac State should field some powerhouse teams. They have an advantage of being in a Metropolitan City, the only school in California, and close proximity to a ton of athletes throughout the state.

Wishing the best of luck to Bennett. Sometimes it just takes finding the right opportunity and system. Hopefully he finds that place at Sac State. If not, he'll be like most college athletes! Great High School players, mediocre to sub-par college talent.

 

[ThunderRam]

Glad to hear that Sac State is attracting local talent! It is my hope that the program becomes home of all or most of the local talent. Between SJS High schools, ARC, Sac City, Sierra, and surrounding JuCos-- Sac State should field some powerhouse teams. They have an advantage of being in a Metropolitan City, the only school in California, and close proximity to a ton of athletes throughout the state.

Wishing the best of luck to Bennett. Sometimes it just takes finding the right opportunity and system. Hopefully he finds that place at Sac State. If not, he'll be like most college athletes! Great High School players, mediocre to sub-par college talent.

Great points. I’m right with you.