I've updated my cover story for Score Atlanta's Prep Edition to include funeral service information for McEachern RB Rajaan Bennett. If you are interested in helping the family out, see the address below of where you can send a check and where the memorial services will be held.
Tragedy. Unfair. Senseless. These are just some of the words that come to mind when one hears about a young life that is ended before it has a chance to start and blossom into what we all hope it can. Recently the Atlanta area was faced with this situation when McEachern running back Rajaan Bennett was shot and killed last week. For those that never knew Bennett, he was truly a special individual that was forced to grow up way too soon. Bennett was forced to become the man of the house while still in middle school after his father passed away, and he constantly helped his mother in caring for his three younger siblings. At McEachern, Bennett not only starred on the football field but in the classroom and with his fellow students. At a news conference last week, McEachern’s principal Regina Montgomery said of her former student, “We have a population of 2,200 kids, and when you're Rajaan Bennett, you touch the lives of all 2,200."
Just three weeks ago the star running back, with his support system in attendance, signed a letter of intent to attend Vanderbilt and play football. This grand day came after Bennett led McEachern to a region title his senior season as he rushed for 1857 yards and scored 28 TDs. As a senior captain, Bennett carried the ball 236 times in Kyle Hockman's Pistol Offense. Several recruiting services ranked Bennett as not only the Commodores best prospect in this class but perhaps in all of coach Bobby Johnson’s tenure. Said Johnson of Bennett’s passing, “Our whole football family is shocked by the death of Rajaan Bennett. It’s just hard to believe. He seemed to be the ideal young man for Vanderbilt and college football to tell you the truth.”
McEachern’s Athletic Director Jimmy Dorsey was devastated when addressing the press last week. “This is a tragedy. A senseless, gut-wrenching tragedy, and it has shaken the entire McEachern family,” said Dorsey. “He was a friend to everybody on this campus. Everybody knew Rajaan. Rajaan is what McEachern High School is all about. It's what everybody wants their kid to grow up and be like - he was a model for that."
Hockman said of the tragic loss, “it’s awful but we’ll stay strong for the kids.” Hockman and the school have helped to establish a special fund to help out Bennett’s family. Those wishing to help can make a check out to McEachern Endowment Fund - Bennet Memorial and either drop it off at McEachern or send it to the school at 2400 New Macland Rd Powder Springs, GA 30101. The school had a memorial service for Bennett this past Wednesday and a visitation is planned for Friday, February 26 from 5-8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Powder Springs. The funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Church Chapel of Georgia. Support for the family has poured in and the funeral service had to be moved because so many people were expected to attend the service.
On a personal level, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bennett twice during the recruiting process, and my co-host on Score Atlanta's Official Visit Scott Janovitz noted that he was so knowledgeable about the pistol offense and his role in [the offense], he seemed to be MADE for that offense. Hockman was also a guest and deflected credit, saying that the back would be good in any offense with his skills set. Bennett however clearly benefited once Hockman was named coach of the Indians two seasons ago, going from relative unknown to future SEC tailback. Last season McEachern went 9-0 in Region 5-AAAAA and 10-0 in the regular season before falling to Brookwood in the first round of the state playoffs, despite Bennett’s 136 yards rushing. Bennett routinely rushed for over 100 yards, going for 141 and 2 scores against North Cobb and scoring twice against Etowah. On any list, be it Scout.com or the GHSF Daily or AJC, Bennett was always one of the top players, not just tailbacks, in the state. When wrapping up National Signing Day on The Official Visit two weeks ago, Bennett was discussed as being Vanderbilt’s best signing in a fine class and perhaps one of the true freshmen that could potentially make an impact next season.
But now he is gone, though not forgotten.
My lasting memory of Rajaan won't be the interviews on The Official Visit, but of him nearly single-handedly bringing his team back in the second half against Woodstock last year. Woodstock had flexed its defensive muscle all throughout the first half and seemed to be ready to just sit back, let the running back from McEachern get some yards while they nursed a lead. Bennett wouldn't let that happen. He took off on one long 42-yard score to start the comeback. He took a screen pass nearly the distance on another drive and he finished with 3 TDs on 22 carries, good enough for 160 yards and the game-winning TD in overtime. Bennett imposed his will and got his team back in the game down 16-0 at halftime and a 31-16 game in the fourth.
This is certainly a sad situation where we won't be able to follow a hometown kid's journey towards certain success at the college level. It is even sadder for his teammates and friends who all knew Rajaan better than any of us. And his family will be hit the hardest, losing not just a special football player and great student but also a caring brother and a devoted son. Over time the memories of his football accomplishments will fade away as it does with all players that leave high school, but the memories of Bennett the person will live on with everyone that has ever met him. In the coming months when thinking of Bennett, don’t feel sad, but instead smile and remember what a great person he was and how lucky everyone was to have him here while we did.
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