Indiana picked up a key late addition to its 2020 recruiting class.
Southaven, Miss. offensive lineman Kahlil Benson has committed to Indiana on National Signing Day as IU was able to pull him away from a home state SEC program.
Benson made his decision at an event at his high school, and the school announced the news on Twitter.
Offensive Lineman Kahlil Benson signs with @IndianaFootball pic.twitter.com/jmaBGDDHfS
— WeAreChargerNation (@WeAreChargers) February 5, 2020
A three-star recruit, Benson is the No. 45 guard in the country according to the 247Sports Composite.
The 6-foot-6 and 305 pound Benson becomes Indiana’s highest rated offensive lineman in its 2020 class.
According to his 247Sports timeline, Benson officially visited IU on January 24 and then took his final official to Mississippi State and new head coach Mike Leach. He told Paul Jones of 247Sports that Mississippi State had the edge just a few days ago.
Most of Indiana’s coaching staff traveled to Mississippi over the weekend and visited Benson at his home.
When you #LEO, conversation hits you differently! IU, Thanks for the visit! Surely one to remember! @CoachAllenIU @IUCoachSheridan @OLCoachHiller @CoachTee34 @BShelbyIU @CoachJasonJones @heard88 @KaneWommack @BensonKahlil @reggie6280 @tookthethrone @loweryboy6 @marinelife_23 pic.twitter.com/eKDNdcgHKt
— LaTonya Benson (@KTOMom) January 31, 2020
The Southaven High School product originally committed to Ole Miss but a coaching change caused him to reopen his recruitment. He had offers from a number of power five programs including Tennessee, LSU, and Kentucky.
Ultimately the decision came down to Mississippi State and Indiana.
Benson is No. 57 in white in the video below.
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