"If you Stay Ready, you'll never have to Get Ready"
Son of Daryl Bennett and Chantya Floyd.
First name is pronounced (DOO-juan) born June 11, 1989
HIGH SCHOOL: A 2007 graduate of O'Fallon Township High School (Ill.) high school coach was Todd Moeller named to the PrepStar Midwest Region Team, the 135th-ranked running back in the nation by ESPN.com. Bennett finished his senior season with 1,362 yards and 22 touchdowns, totaled 993 yards rushing on 112 carries with 12 touchdowns his junior year. Bennett concluded his career with 443 carries for 3,419 yards and 40 scores.
COLLEGE: 2007 FRESHMAN SEASON: Earned Freshman All-Big Ten honors from The Sporting News. Bennett appeared in 10 of 12 games & was the Gophers' starting running back in seven contests, made six of his seven starts during Big Ten play. Bennett earned his first career start against Big Ten champion Ohio State, finished the year ranked second on the team in carries (107) and third on the squad in both rushing yards (442) and rushing touchdowns (3), compiled 370 of his rushing yards in Big Ten games to rank second in the conference among freshmen in rushing yards during conference play. Bennett led all Minnesota running backs with 18 receptions for 145 yards, ranked sixth on the team in scoring with 24 points. Bennett earned his first letter.
2008 REDSHIRT SEASON: Granted redshirt after sustaining knee injury in second game, Bennett entered the season as one of the Big Ten's top young running backs, suffered a season-ending knee injury on a screen pass in the second game of the year at Bowling Green. Bennett had started the first two games of the season and was the Gophers' leading rusher with 32 carries for 140 yards and two touchdowns at the time of the injury. Bennett had also hauled in 12 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown and at the time, ranking second on the team in both catches and receiving yards per game.
2009 SOPHOMORE SEASON: Bennett returned from season-ending knee injury in 2008 to be the Gophers' leading rusher in 2009, compiling 376 yards on 98 carries (3.8 avg), with six touchdowns. Bennett was also a threat in the passing game, he caught 16 passes for 194 yards (12.1 avg) and two scores, carried the ball a team-high 98 times on the season. Bennett collected a season high 89 yards against Northwestern, recorded six of the Gophers' 13 rushing touchdowns this season & had a career day in the passing game against Michigan State, catching two passes, each for touchdowns, and tallying a career-high 121 receiving yards. Finished the season sixth on the Gopher receiving charts with 172 yards on the season. Bennett earned second varsity letter.
2010 JUNIOR SEASON: Appeared in all 12 games and started seven this year at running back. Bennett led Minnesota with 996 all-purpose yards in 2010, 529 rushing yards on 123 carries including three touchdowns, hauled in 33 receptions for 319 yards and one touchdown, & threw for one touchdown. Bennett also returned nine kicks for a total of 148 yards in 2010. Earned third varsity letter.
2011 SENIOR SEASON: Started all 12 games at running back; finished Gopher career with 2,126 rushing yards, which ranked him 13th all-time in Minnesota history, upon completion of his career. Bennett finished 2011 season with 166 carries for 639 yards and three touchdowns & recorded three receptions for 23 yards. Bennett rushed 23 times for season-high 127 yards at Northwestern in Week 11 & was named the Kickoff Returner of the Week by College Football Performance Awards for his 96-yard kickoff return for a TD vs. Wisconsin in Week 10. Bennett earned Fourth varsity letter.
PROFESSIONAL: After finishing college at University of Minnesota & compiling 3,481 all-purpose yards & 24 touchdowns, Coach Bennett was signed to the Green Bay Packers in 2011 as a priority free agent. Upon completion of Fall camp Coach Bennett made the roster & played for 1 season, yet was plagued by a knee injury that ended his season on the injured reserved.
Vice President & General Manager, TC Elite Training Schools -- Help build a non-profit program that served the inner-city youth athletes to provide opportunities to enhance their athletic skill-set. Attend various college visits, sporting events, sport camps, community engagement events, while also providing scholarships to high school students to attend college.
Volunteer Running Back Coach, North Minneapolis High School -- Conducting research and analyzing previous games to develop game plans, tactics, techniques, formations, and strategies. Determining individual player abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, and factoring these into the gameplay and strategy sessions. Fostering good sportsmanship in all team players, resolving disputes, and addressing bad behavior in a timely manner.
USA Youth Football Certified Coach, Phelps Boys & Girls Club Minneapolis, MN --Ensuring the football field is available for practice sessions and that players show up on time. Establishing rules and regulations and ensuring players are familiar with them. Ensuring all sports equipment is available and in working order. Encouraging players to engage in other recreational sports and to live a healthy life with a balanced diet.
Owner of Game Ready Specialized Performance -- Responsible for educating clients and enforcing policies regarding safe and proper use of equipment. Individuals holding this position must be able to develop, document, and implement one-on-one, partner, or group workout programs that match the needs and goals of clients.
Why Did You Choose to Coach??
I chose coaching to give back to those looking to better themselves, whether it involves sports or not. I was fortunate to have a handful of coaches impact my life & athletic career, & to realize where my life would be without those coaches I couldn't fathom. I want to use the teachings & lessons gained throughout my athletic career to share with the youth of tomorrow. Together as a village, we can create the future of our tomorrow by making changes today.
