Donnell Bennett makes difference at Northeast

As he rides around on his cart in every direction of the practice field, Donnell Bennett gets out and watches each station. Offering some coaching advice, he then gets back in and moves to another section of the field.

While he has been on the other side of the analysis and constructive criticisms through the years, this head coaching thing is sort of new to him, but it certainly fits him well.

He has worn the Cardinal Gibbons uniform as a top-flight running back at the high school level. Was one of the most gifted runners at the University of Miami and then showcased his enormous skills in the National Football League with the Kansas City Chiefs. But even though it might have crossed his mind a time or two, this wasn't what he envisioned after running extra wind sprints or spending extra time in the weight room.

Today, Bennett, the one time football player, is the head football coach at Northeast High. While he'll be the first to admit that this wasn't in the plans, it is something that has captured his imagination -- in a hurry.

''I have always loved to teach and help to mold character,'' Bennett said. ``I just wanted to give back a little of what was given to me by my father and those who were instrumental in my life and career.''

A LONG PROCESS
Bennett was never one of those former athletes who felt that just because he played the game he was automatically going to be a great coach. He admits that everything he is learning right now is part of the process. A process that began as a youth growing up in Fort Lauderdale and carrying over to his high school, collegiate and professional days.

The past few years were spent at his alma mater, assisting coach Mike Morrill and offensive coordinator Matt DuBuc with a growing Cardinal Gibbons team. When he was offered the position to take over a ''rival'' school, he jumped at the opportunity.

''What the move was about and still is, was to help teach the young men we have on this team to do things the right way,'' Bennett said. ``We wanted to help develop positive skills and work habits and teach them that nothing comes without making sacrifices and plenty of hard work.''

Within the first weeks of taking over the job, Bennett assembled a coaching staff and started to lay down rules and a gameplan for the returning players to start to follow.

''I learned in all my years in this sport, and as a wrestler, you are only as good as those who are coaching and teaching you,'' Bennett said. ``In order to succeed, you have to surround yourself with people you trust, and I have to believe that there isn't a coach or a player on this team I wouldn't go into battle with.''

DEVELOPING DEPTH
While he inherited some impressive players from last year's team, Bennett also had to develop some depth by using athletes at several spots. Players like Class of 2010 running back Audrey Woodson (5-7, 170), tight end Richard Perez (5-11, 173) and cornerback D.J. Francis, a 5-11, 175-pounder, who was a standout this past season as a junior.

In addition, the Class of 2010 also includes defensive backs Dennis Aaron (5-6, 150) and Greg Williams (5-10, 155), running back/defensive back Santiago Pierre (5-7, 181) and quarterback Evan Krivjanik (6-1, 160).

The Class of 2011 is also impressive with defensive end Bryant ''B.J.'' Dubose (6-5, 220) leading the way. Dubose, who will be one of the nation's elite performers, spent his first year on the football field last season after coming over from Fort Lauderdale. His brother was a football player at Northeast a few years back.

In addition to Dubose, the Hurricanes also boast safety Noel Cesar (6-0, 177), defensive tackle Antony Burrell (6-3, 295), and defensive end Vincent Jones (6-3, 220) and running back Clawsondy Cayo, who will back up Woodson.

THOSE 2012 KIDS
OK, while the focus is on 2010 and even 2011, there are some 2012 players already making some noise. Perhaps nobody has proven more valuable and impressive than Coral Reef linebacker Darius Hall (5-10, 210) and defensive lineman Roosevelt Donaldson (6-0, 240), who were a force in a scrimmage against Booker T. Washington.

While we will always add to this list, other area rising sophomores include Miami Westminster Christian quarterback David Thompson (6-0, 170), St. Thomas running back Dami Ayoola (5-10, 180), Archbishop McCarthy punter/kicker Marshall Morgan (6-3, 180), University School defensive end/tight end Daniel Perry (6-7, 210), McArthur linebacker Phil Dames (6-1, 190), Cardinal Gibbons linebacker Jack Hallmon (6-1, 190), Miami Country Day defensive lineman Steven Brown (6-0, 210), Miami Springs defensive lineman Mike Perez (6-2, 220) and Chaminade-Madonna offensive lineman Darren Davis (6-3, 250).

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ATHLETES
Don't forget that we are always looking to help our area recruits for the current Class of 2010, 2011 and 2012. All you have to do is send a DVD and information about the athlete to: Larry Blustein, P.O. Box 3181, Hallandale Beach, Fl. 33009.



(miamiherald.com)