Stud 2022 TE Thinks Highly Of Notre Dame
Pilot Mountain (N.C.) East Surry athlete Benji Gosnell is a fast-rising prospect in the 2022 class. College coaches from across the country are fired up about the 6-4, 220-pounder at multiple positions as well.
Most of his offers are for tight end, but the likes of North Carolina and Tennessee are looking at him as a linebacker, and depending on how Gosnell’s body develops over the next year or so, he could even grow into a defensive end.
Gosnell is nearing 20 scholarship offers, and he will probably eclipse 30 in the not too distant future because he is a rising junior.
“It’s an overwhelming joy,” Gosnell said of the recruiting process. “To be in this position that not many people can experience, it’s awesome.”
Notre Dame joined Gosnell’s offer sheet May 6 during a Zoom call with tight ends coach John McNulty.
“He’s a cool, genuine guy,” Gosnell said. “He seems real — great personality and fun to talk to.”
The call lasted about 15 minutes or so, and McNulty connected with Gosnell and his parents.
“He talked a lot about the history of Notre Dame and got to know us a little bit,” Gosnell continued. “When he got to the football stuff, that’s when he offered, and we talked a bit after that. It was a good call.
“They have a history of good tight ends. Coach [McNulty] was saying each of their starting tight ends since 2005 has been drafted. Every Saturday night from I was 8 to 12 years old, I’d always look forward to watching Tyler Eifert play. He was my favorite playing growing up, and I always watch Notre Dame.”
Gosnell wasn’t shocked that he received the offer from Notre Dame, but it wasn’t something he thought he was going to happen for sure.
“Our high school was going to have a college day at our high school May 4,” Gosnell said. “He set that up in February and they were scheduled to come. I wouldn’t say the offer was expected, but I knew they were looking at me.”
A strong connection with his future coaches is paramount in Gosnell choosing a school.
“If I have any problems, I want to be able to go to any of the coaches to talk to them. Also, how they treat the players. I definitely want to go somewhere that the staff is genuine.”
In helping lead East Surry to a 15-0 record and a North Carolina 1AA state championship triumph, Gosnell caught 25 passes for 422 yards and five scores. Defensively, he totaled 85 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, six sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles.
His older brother Stephen signed with North Carolina as a wide receiver in the 2020 class.
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