tennessean
Bennett Conyers, a junior tight end at Montgomery Bell Academy, has become one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2028 class, but his path to prominence was anything but predictable. Just months ago, he was a backup with no college interest; now, he holds 37 offers from major programs across the country.
Conyers' family has deep football roots, with his father Wally, a former Vanderbilt defensive lineman, his uncle Travis, a former Penn linebacker, and his grandfather Randy, a former Butler running back. Their advice has been instrumental in shaping his approach to recruitment. "They've really started laying a foundation for me about what to look for in a school," Conyers said, emphasizing that factors like NIL money shouldn't be the sole focus. His father stresses the importance of commitment, saying, "You can't commit now and then flip twice."
Last August, Conyers was listed as the No. 3 tight end on MBA's depth chart, and by the end of the season in November, he had zero offers. However, a breakout season changed everything. After Thanksgiving, offensive coordinator Daniel Childs began sending his highlights to colleges, and an offer from Illinois sparked a flood of interest. "Teams just started calling," Conyers noted.
Key Analysis
Conyers' development on the field was rapid. MBA coach Chris Chauvin recalled that Conyers was initially "maybe a third tight end," but he quickly progressed to second and then became a standout. "Once he figured out blocking, he could do anything," Chauvin said. Conyers, who also plays basketball and baseball, will now miss more Vanderbilt games this fall as he visits other campuses.
Vanderbilt holds a special place for the Conyers family. His parents dated while students there, and his father has been a season-ticket holder since graduating. Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea, an MBA alum, has developed a friendly relationship with the family. Conyers has met with the coaching staff multiple times, impressed by the program's upward trajectory. "To see First Bank Stadium just lit up... I was going to games four years ago when it was like 20% capacity," he said. "Now you're seeing it at 100%."
The explosive nature of his recruitment surprised even his father. "Who would've imagined that a year ago? He didn't feel entitled to play but went in looking to find a role on the team," Wally Conyers said. "I was a little surprised at how quickly it exploded."
Originally reported by tennessean.