Bryan Bennett

Bennett arrived at Oregon as the assumed successor to Darron Thomas in Chip Kelly's explosive offense, but a young quarterback by the name of Marcus Mariota changed all that, winning the starting job in 2012 and forcing Bennett to choose between changing positions and transferring out of Eugene. He found success at Southeastern Louisiana the past two years, thriving in a shotgun spread offense with a lot of option packages and designed runs. Bennett is at his best with quick reads (screens, slants, etc.) where he can find his man and deliver with a solid base, but his lack of NFL quality arm strength and accuracy stand out as well. He will draw some Johnny Manziel comparisons with his play style and competitive intangibles, but his wild, undisciplined tendencies create doubt. A four-star recruit out of high school, Bennett had offers from Boise State and Pittsburgh, but was won over by Eugene and redshirted in 2010 at Oregon. He served as the primary back-up to Thomas as a redshirt freshman in 2011, seeing part-time action and recording six touchdowns. With Thomas leaving early for the NFL, Bennett was the assumed starter in 2012 as a sophomore, but Mariota won the starting job and Bennett was again relegated to reserve duty as No. 2 on the depth chart. With Mariota entrenched as the starter, Bennett decided to transfer, enrolling at Southeastern Louisiana and starting all 14 games as a junior in 2013, leading the Lions in both rushing (1,046 yards) and passing (3,165 yards) with 37 total touchdowns (21 passing, 16 rushing). He started 12 games as a senior in 2014, but saw his production decline as his completion percentage went from 60.7-percent as a junior to 49.5-percent as a senior. Bennett earned First Team All-Southland honors each of the last two seasons.

strengths

Athletic mover with Johnny Manziel-like foot quickness to avoid rushers, displaying improvisational skills as an elusive scrambler. Despite a low release point, he shows a snap delivery and solid mechanics. Quick eyes with a speedy process once he decides to pull the trigger. Efficient pocket movements to maneuver around the noise with his eyes downfield. Improved touch and controls ball speed well. Runs the option like a seasoned veteran with burst, instincts and vision to be a threat with his legs. Gritty and confident competitor with NFL toughness. Productive when on the field with 85 total touchdowns in his career between Oregon and Southeastern Louisiana (48 passing, 37 rushing), earning a number of accolades including the 2013 Southland Offensive Player of the Year Award.

weaknesses

Average-at-best build and height with a low release point. Only adequate arm strength and lacks needed velocity on NFL throws with his fastball often lacking enough juice. Too many floaters with too much air under his passes. Streaky ball placement and his accuracy and ball control dip considerably on the move, failing to reset his base. Tends to predetermine his passes with a bad habit of staring down his reads, leading defenders to his intended target. Makes poor choices with the ball and takes too many ill-advised chances, tossing it up for grabs. Lacks elite long-speed and can get cut off by defenders trying to reach the edge. Long-term durability a question mark, taking a lot of hits and getting beat up with his play style. Almost all of his starting experience (26 of 27 starts) was at the FCS-level against subpar competition.

A three-year starter at Encino’s Crespi High School

a four-star recruit and the No. 10 quarterback in the country in 2009 by Scout.com

rated a four-star recruit and the No. 15 quarterback by Rivals.com and a three-star recruit by ESPN.com

took over the starting quarterback job as a sophomore, replacing injured starter Kevin Prince (a former starter at UCLA) and helped to the Celts to an 11-3 record and state runner-up finish.

Born in Los Angeles, Calif.

The son of Brian and Shyhra Bennett

Has two younger sisters, Kristina and Hailey

A general studies major.