After his birth, the family moved to Greer, South Carolina, where Benedict grew up playing baseball, basketball, and soccer.

Benedict was originally a talented baseball prospect who threw fastballs in the low 90s by the time he reached high school.

Instead of letting this setback deter him, Benedict began playing football, a sport he found he naturally excelled at.

Upon completion of his senior season in 2003, he was considered the top football prospect in the state of New Jersey.

[2] Benedict died suddenly at his home in Jacksonville, Florida, on March 23, 2008, due to an enlarged heart.