Anyone who watched Rajaan Bennett play during his senior season at McEachern, knows the Division I recruit is a special player.

Rushing for over 1,800 yards during the Indians' 10-0 regular season, Bennett was the focus of the offense and the go-to player throughout the season.

"We knew within the first few games of having him last season that he was a pretty talented individual," said McEachern football coach Kyle Hockman. "When you have a player with that talent and ability it makes the whole team that much better."

Last week Bennett garnered one of the most prestigious awards of his prep career when The Associated Press named him the Georgia Class AAAAA Offensive Player of the Year. While Lassiter quarterback Hutson Mason took top billing with as the Player of the Year across all classifications, Bennett isn't complaining one bit.

"It's very exciting," he said. "It means I did something right."

Bennett said the key to his successful season was simply striving to be the best - both personally and as part of the team.

"I had intensity with everything I did," he said.

During his junior season, Bennett was the No. 2 running back behind Quentin Martin, however both players suffered injuries within a two-game period and Bennett was never able to shine on the field. The high ankle sprain that sidelined Bennett for four games didn't leave any lasting damage when he returned to the field toward the end of the season, but he was never 100 percent. In the off-season, he continued his efforts in the weight room and worked on sprints to ensure a healthy senior year.

Even with the injury, Bennett ran for more than 1,000 yards as a junior. For his senior season he set the lofty goal of 2,000 yards, but came up a couple hundred short - which could be attributed to the star watching from the sidelines late during several blowout victories.

"This year I wanted to make a statement and that's what I did," he said. "I almost made my goal."

But there is more to Bennett that what fans saw on the field. The player is dedicated to his family and has in many ways been the man of the house since his father was killed in an accident seven years ago. With his mother Narjaketha working to support the family, Bennett took over care for his younger brother, Desycon.

Now 16, Desycon isn't the typical teen. A non-verbal special-needs student, Rajaan helps his with everything from getting him on the bus in the morning, to picking him up from school before football practice.

Bennett admits it can be difficult to juggle family and football, but said the experience has prepared him for the next level.

"I've been doing it so long, it isn't too hard now," he said. "College for me won't be that bad with classes and working out my schedule because I'm used to that. I think everything worked out for the better."

While home-life has certainly shaped Bennett, Hockman doesn't think anyone could do much better with what he has been given.

"He's the ultimate team player, very unselfish, a heck of an athlete and an even better person," said Hockman. "He has taken on a lot of responsibility with his family. I think that's kind of the reason that he plays like he does. It all kind of goes together.

"He is one of the most concentrated, focused kids. He has his priorities in line and has known for a long time, where he's wanted to go. It's been neat to see him progress as a person and as a player and a teammate."

Bennett's peers also recognize his maturity, as he was a near unanimous selection by his teammates as a captain. As much as others laud him for his achievements and perseverance, Bennett isn't one to brag.

"You have to really pry and prod to get him to say anything about himself," said Hockman. "Most of the time as a coach you have to keep those kids humble and keep them in check so-to-speak, but you don't have to do that at all with Rajaan."

One thing Bennett does do is critique himself. He strives to be the best player he can be, when he steps onto a college campus this summer. Bennett is being pursued by a slew of programs including Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Louisville. Minnesota, Wisconsin and East Carolina have also made offers, but staying close to home is important to Bennett as wants to remain close to family.

"I'm just trying to get as fast as I can before I get to college, so I can stand out and get coaches interested," he said. "I want to be ready."