Dinari Bennett is one of the best players from the Orlando, FL area in the Class of 2022.
The 5-foot-6, 135-pound Bennett, who attends Faith Christian Academy, is a dynamic player that works on both sides of the ball as an athlete (receiver, tailback and cornerback).
Bennett, who plays for the East Orlando Junior Predators, has earned plenty of recognition during his outstanding career, such as: 2017 Defensive Player of the Year, 2018 East Orlando Jr. Predator “We Are 11” Award, 2018 FYFCL All Star Team, 2018 National Championship Appearance, 2017-18 AAU and USATF Jr. Olympics Qualifier (100m, 200m, & 400m) and 2017-18 Track & Field Athlete of the Year.
Bennett is humbled by the accolades.
“It validates my hard work that I have put in and motivates me to continue to improve. It also shows that I have earned respect from my peers, teachers and coaches due to my success on and off the field,” Bennett said. “It was exciting, competitive opportunities in which I was eager to win.”
No matter the opponent, on each snap Bennett is determined to give it his all.
Bennett is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Bennett steps between the lines.
“My mindset is to compete and dominate. Also, to be the best I can be at my position,” Bennett said. “I want the opponent to have to work for everything they get when I’m on the field.”
Bennett has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the gridiron. Bennett tells why he enjoys the game of football so much.
“The competition against other teams and the friendship /brotherhood I’ve formed with my teammates,” Bennett said. “I love the feeling in the locker room after a win and being able to enjoy it with my teammates. There’s nothing that compares so it. It’s such an amazing feeling.”
Bennett has learned many valuable lessons from playing football that he applies to his everyday life.
The main one is applying perspective to all situations.
“Football has taught me so much about life,” Bennett said. “It has taught me how to deal with adversity. Sometimes life deals you ups and downs, but you have to keep persevering no matter with the outcome.”
Bennett recalls his favorite football memory.
“I have two. Playing in the 2018 Super Bowl Championship and winning. Also playing in the 2018 AAU National Championship game,” Bennett said. “It allowed me to compete against the top teams in Central Florida and the nation.”
David Carrington has coached Bennett for two years with the East Orlando Predators.
Carrington explains the best parts of Bennett’s game.
“Dinari is a explosive offensive player. He is a threat to score on any play. He sets up blocks and has the speed to explode through the hole. He cuts clean and can get north and south up the field,” Carrington said. “On defense he is a lockdown corner. He had several pick-sixes and plays the run very well.”
Bennett takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Bennett makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.
“I demonstrate being a good teammate by leading by example on and off the field. I work hard in practice, help teammates when needed and always have a positive attitude,” Bennett said. “I tell my teammates to work had and never quit no matter what the situation or outcome is.”
Carrington adds that Bennett is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.
“Dinari is a team first leader. He always make sure his backup gets opportunity when we have a big lead. He leads by example and is very humble,” Carrington said. “He never whines about touches. He is only vocal when needed.”
Bennett is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“I have learned to always stay focused and follow directions when given; and how to work together as a team,” Bennett said. “The best advice that my coaches have given is to stay focused and confident at all times.”
Carrington is an advocate of Bennett’s capabilities.
“He has break away speed. I increased his touches in the national tournament and he exploded for multiple scores,” Carrington said. “He caught balls as a tradition receiver and was nasty on the screen. He broke one screen for 80 yards.”
In addition to making clutch plays, Bennett also has a high level of football IQ as well.
Bennett has excellent football awareness that puts him in position to thrive.
“He is a very smart football player that uses his intelligence to be a step ahead of the competition,” Carrington said. “He loves to study the game to find ways to get even better.”
Bennett is on the grind to perfect and hone his craft in any way possible.
“He has a great work ethic and is always striving to improve in all aspects of the game,” Carrington said. “That’s what makes him have the type of success that he does on the field.”
Carrington explains why he compares Bennett to this player.
“He reminds me a lot of Tyreek Hill because of his explosive speed and change of direction, as well as being able to being a weapon in the pass game,” Carrington said. “Also I compare him to Tarik Cohen from the Bears.”
Bennett patterns his mentality after Hill.
“Our skill sets are similar because of his combination of speed, quickness and agility,” Bennett said.
Bennett is constantly striving for greatness in everything that he does.
“I want to do well academically and athletically in high school,” Bennett said. “I want to attend and excel in college to earn a degree in Physical Therapy.”
Bennett lists science as his favorite subject in school.
“It can be applied to life skills,” Bennett said. “It helps you solve problems and make decisions in everyday thinking.”
Carrington outlines the areas of improvement that will take Bennett’s game to the next level.
“Dinari is at weights and training when the door is open,” Carrington said. “Our goal is to bulk him up more to keep him from injury.”
Carrington believes the sky is the limit as long as Bennett continues to stay hungry.
“Dinari has a unlimited potential,” Carrington said. “He loves to work and was amazing at the national tournament for his age group.”
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