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News-Sun photo by DAN HOEHNE Benji Toney, with parents Arnold and Mary by his side, signs his letter of intent to attend Benedict College and play for the Tigers. Also on hand for the special moment were, left to right, sisters Teara Hunter, Ardaje Toney and brother Arnold Toney Jr.

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published: Sunday, February 05, 2012

Toney now a Tiger

By DAN HOEHNE

daniel.hoehne@newssun.com

SEBRING - Blue Streak Benji Toney is now a Tiger.

The senior was a part of Wednesday's national signing day, inking his name to accept a scholarship to attend Benedict College in Columbia, SC, with his family on hand.

"(Former Blue Streak) Jamaa Massaline went there, so he was a good source," Toney said. "I went for a visit and the coaches were real receptive and it felt like the place I wanted to go."

Toney battled back from a late-season knee injury that kept him out of post-season all-star showcases, but his play on the field was hard to deny as he was a consistent and explosive force on defense.

Looking to major in criminal justice, Toney is anxious for the next chapter of his life.

"I'm ready to go as soon as possible," he said. "Not everyone gets this chance and I want to make the most of it."

Primarily a defensive lineman for the Streaks, Toney also saw some time standing upright as a linebacker, utilizing his speed, as well as on the offensive side of the ball as a fullback when those tough, crucial yards were needed.

"I know I will need to get bigger, faster and stronger," he said. "But I want to play my first year, so I'm going to put in the work."

And while his head coach, LaVaar Scott, knows Toney will do his part on the field, he knows the importance of other aspects.

"It was good to have had someone there, in Jamaa," he said. "Someone who knew the school, knew the coaches. And someone who graduated. You get a kid that goes there, plays and graduates, it makes it easier for the next kids.

"And that's what my job is all about, getting them this opportunity," Scott continued. "Wins and losses keep my job, but this is, to me, the most important part."