JUCO LB Xavier Benson commits to Oklahoma State

Tyler Junior College linebacker Xavier Benson announced his commitment Saturday to Oklahoma State.

“As a man I have had to make decisions best for me and the people I love, as well as the dreams I want to accomplish,” Benson tweeted. “Saying that I am Fully committed to be a cowboy.”

As a man I have had to make decisions best for me and the people I love, as well as the dreams I want to accomplish. Saying that I am Fully committed to be a cowboy 🤠 #saddleup @jordanburtonosu@coachkmcfarland@cowboyfb pic.twitter.com/dl2LXxnVcd

— Xavier Benson (@Zayyy_Benson) December 11, 2021

Benson has experience playing in the Big 12. A consensus three-star recruit out of Texarkana (Texas) Pleasant Grove, he played two seasons for Texas Tech.

He opted out of the 2020 season and then entered the transfer portal. He landed at Tyler Junior College.

“I had to take some time off for my mental health, physical health, and personal health because I wasn’t myself or 100%,” Xavier Benson told InsideTexas. “I felt like I was cutting myself out because I was 75% of myself and needed a change. I learned, at the end of the day, I have to take care of myself.” 

Benson averaged nearly 10 tackles per game this fall and was named Southwest Junior College Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year.