After getting Ohio State offer, Geneva’s Bennett Konkey confirms status with Illinois visit: ‘I’m not leaving’

Already happy with how things have played out this fall, Bennett Konkey was enjoying Geneva’s playoff bye last week when some big news started to come his way.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound receiver, who committed to Illinois on June 16, found out he was elevated to a four-star recruit by national publications after finishing off a dominant regular season.

Then, things got even better when he received an offer from Ohio State.

“It was exciting,” Konkey said, nodding. “I think it’s every wide receiver’s dream to get offers like that. It’s exciting, but I’m just exploring all of my opportunities.”

Speaking of opportunities, Konkey picked Illinois over Iowa, Northwestern and Iowa State. With that in mind, he made sure to be on the sidelines for Saturday’s 21-10 win over Oregon.

That stunning upset victory for the Illini in Champaign was orchestrated by true freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II, who could potentially be Konkey’s quarterback next season.

“I felt it was very important, especially after I got that offer, to go to Illinois and show them that I’m still committed and I’m still here,” Konkey said. “I’m not leaving.”

All that extra attention could be overwhelming for a high school senior. But Geneva coach Boone Thorgesen confirmed if you talked to Konkey and didn’t know the hype you would never know.

“He is who he is,” Thorgesen said. “You wouldn’t know what was going on. He’s just a great kid, good head on his shoulders. The kid that has all these offers is the best teammate out there.”

Senior quarterback Ben Peterson, an Eastern Michigan recruit, receives his fair share of attention. He’s been impressed with how his lifelong friend has navigated everything swirling around him.

“I think he’s done a great job handling it,” Peterson said of Konkey. “He’s taking it like a professional, like an adult. I think it’s very hard for him. People don’t see it. Mentally, it’s a lot.

“I’ve gone through some of it too, not as much as he is obviously. It’s hard on us, and people don’t always see that because they just see the shiny stuff.”

The attention didn’t bother either of them on the field for Geneva, the top-ranked team in Class 6A.

Peterson has completed 151 of 210 passes for 2,677 yards and 34 touchdowns with only two interceptions this season. Konkey has hauled in 70 passes for 1,397 yards and 19 TDs.

Konkey also has a 99-yard kickoff return for a TD.

“It was everything that I was expecting to do with him,” Konkey said of Peterson. “We’ve known each other for a long time. We’ve got the chemistry. We’re just putting it out on the field now.”

Konkey had the unique perspective of watching current Georgia starting receiver Talyn Taylor go through this same process a few years ago. Taylor’s influence is all over his game.

It also shows up in how Konkey has handled the recruiting process.

“Just watching him, how he does stuff, how he carries himself,” Konkey said of Taylor. “I learned a lot from him that has accelerated my game so much.

“We text every now and then. He actually just texted me after I got the Ohio State offer and congratulated me.”

Signing day is right around the corner on Dec. 2, so Konkey has some things to think about.

His first priority, however, is the Vikings.

“This is the main focus,” Konkey said. “My parents are helping me a lot, talking to coaches. My parents are trying to let me focus on winning this state championship, then we’ll focus on college.”

That has been the goal since they were little kids starting out in football.

“I knew this group was special,” Konkey said. “I’ve been waiting for this year for a long time.”

Even with all the hype and attention, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s a lot, but I’m handling it well,” Konkey said. “This is a dream come true.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.