Benson Signs Big Recruiting Class for 2001

By Mike Hume • April 24, 2001

As this school year draws to a close the Georgetown football team looks ahead to next year, announcing its recruiting class for the year 2001. Georgetown will bring 29 new players from 13 different states into the fold next season as they complete the move into the Patriot League.

“They’re an excellent class,” Head Coach Bob Benson said. “Certainly, the move to the Patriot League has enhanced our ability to get good kids.”

The Hoyas placed a strong emphasis on size with this recruiting class in an attempt to plug holes in the defensive and offensive lines, the latter of which was one of the programs’ weaker areas last season.

“Every year we have what we call a positional need chart. You take a look at your inventory and we go from there. We continue to feel that we need to bring in people on the offensive and defensive lines,” Benson said. “I think the game is still won in the trenches.”

On average, the five offensive line recruits weigh in at just under 270 pounds.

“With the move up to the Patriot League I believe we need to continue to get bigger and stronger on both sides of the ball,” Benson said.

Georgetown has also secured four wide receivers for next season. These freshmen along with the remaining Hoya wide receivers will have the unenviable task of filling the shoes of departing star Gharun Hester. Among them is Dan Paulus, younger brother of current sophomore quarterback Dave Paulus and freshman linebacker Matt Paulus.

The Hoyas also signed four running backs and a new quarterback, Andrew Crawford of Louisville, Colo.

Defensively, Georgetown has enlisted 12 recruits including four new defensive linemen.

Benson warned against expecting any of the freshman to crack the starting lineup next season.

“I think there are going to be people here who can compete,” Benson said. “They’re making one of the biggest transitions in life, coming into one of the top 20 schools in the country, being away from home for the first time. Trying to learn a new offensive and defensive system and trying to play to their abilities is very difficult when they have these changes in their lives.”