A 25-year-old draft prospect named Heath Benedict from tiny Newberry College was found dead in his Florida home Wednesday. Benedict, a transfer from the University of Tennessee who played guard, was projected to go in the fourth round by several draft experts.
Police have ruled out foul play, and it doesn't appear that drugs and alcohol were involved in his death. It's shocking news for a campus that was thrilled when Benedict became the first player in school history to be invited to the Senior Bowl.
"He made a mark on the campus more because of who he was and not because of his athletics," said Newberry athletic director at a news conference this morning.
A memorial service for Benedict will be held in the school's chapel Tuesday. I just talked to a veteran NFC scout who said that Benedict had been one of the biggest surprises during the Senior Bowl week and that he was the seventh or eighth best guard in the draft.
