Magic Benton ready to make return to Firecats

Saying his body "looks like a little sculpture", arenafootball2 record-setting wide receiver Magic Benton is returning to the Florida Firecats this season.

Benton said he hasn't signed but plans to after talking to Florida coach Kevin Bouis last week.

"I was hoping to slide back in there," Benton said. "After I talked to coach Bouis after practice, some of the players asked if I was coming back and I said, 'No, no, no.' I kept myself away because if I came around, I knew that would be trouble.

"I had the bug and I talked with a couple of guys and (offensive coordinator) Ken Mastrole and the new offensive line coach (Dominic Bramante). I went out there last Wednesday."

Benton, who played collegiately at Miami, would like to gradually work himself into football shape this week and play in his first game on May 31, but he may not have that long. Firecats receivers Matt Burstein (tailbone) and Bruce Gordon (back) are bothered by injuries. Benton would have to sign by Thursday to play Saturday.

"I hate to throw him out there," Bouis said. "But he looks good. I assume he's in ideal shape."

From playing basketball three days a week as well as being involved with a variety of activities at the YMCA, Benton said he's fine physically.

"My body looks good, like a little sculpture," he said. "But (playing) depends on how I feel at practice and how my body reacts. You can't get in shape unless you're out there."

Benton is the af2's career leader in receptions (584), receiving yards (7,698) and TD catches (165).

(news-press.com)