COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Bennett has been big for UVa.-Wise defense

Dennis Bennett entered the season unproven. However, the defensive back for the University of Virginia’s College at Wise has emerged as a key cog in the Highland Cavaliers’ improving defense.

Bennett has recorded a team-high three interceptions and will look to continue his breakthrough season today when UVa.-Wise (5-4) hosts the University of the Cumberlands (8-1) in a key Mid-South Conference clash.

Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. at Carl Smith Stadium and the winner of today’s game will claim the MSC East Division title.

“We’ve got a lot of adrenaline pumping,” said Bennett. “There’s a lot of excitement on the team. That’s all we could talk about the last two weeks. We’ve had extra time to prepare and everybody seems
real excited.”

Bennett has been a pleasant surprise for the Cavs, recording 24 tackles and helping form a solid secondary with the likes of James Haley and Marcus Bratton. The Springfield, Va., native managed just
four tackles in minimal time last fall. 

“I’ve been pretty thrilled with myself,” Bennett said. “The years past, I’ve not gotten a lot of playing time. I finally got my chance and have been able to step up and show the coaches what I could do.”

He’ll have to step up his game against Cumberlands, the NAIA’s 12th-ranked team. The Patriots are averaging 34.4 points per game and rely on the antiquated option offense.

“I’m pretty confident in our abilities and I think we’ll be OK,” Bennett said. “The option is always tough to defend, but I think we have the personnel to match up quite nicely.”

This will be UVa.-Wise’s first game since an Oct. 22 victory over Pikeville. Cumberlands has been the sole focus for the Cavaliers since that time.

“To be honest, it really didn’t feel like much of a break,” Bennett said.” The same things went on … We were right back in it this week.”