Projected First Round NFL Prospect Dead at 24

Heath Benedict was only 9 credits short of a business degree from Newberry College, and it should be known that his degree would have been put to good use.

By COED Staff

Six-foot-six, 326-pound Benedict was a two-time Little All-American offensive lineman and the first Division II player to be invited to play in the Division I Senior Bowl in January. Scouts at this year’s NFL combine saw a special talent and a lot of heart projecting him to be drafted in the first round, equating to big money for the soon to be business major to manage.

That was until the 24 year old was found dead on a couch in his home Wednesday evening. No foul play was expected and medical examiners are trying to determine the cause of his death.

‘He was a big, tough man, but he had a very gentle heart,” Newberry president Mick Zais said. ”He was a teddy bear.”