Griffin and Thomas Benke – twin brothers who play for Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, Ky. – have very few differences. Both eclipse 6-foot-5, with Cooper being slightly taller, and Griffin being a bit leaner. Both are very good edge prospects from the Bluegrass State who have immense upside for the position.
One thing is almost for certain: whichever team lands one will probably land the other. And as spring recruiting winds down for the two brothers who attend school just south of Cincinnati, they find themselves very interested in the Hoosier State, particularly Purdue.
“The Purdue visit went very well. I love all their staff and I enjoyed talking and getting to know some of the support staff that I usually didn’t get to talk to,” Griffin said. “I had really good conversations with multiple people on their staff. The staff is interested, they have been to school to see me twice and this was my fourth time on campus.”
Cooper was really impressed by the team facility in West Lafayette, as well as the staff and head coach Barry Odom, entering his second year as the program’s head honcho.
“What impressed me was their facilities and their approach to everything,” Cooper said. “I love how they value recovery and are very scientific in the weight room, training room, and with the (nutritionists). I love his vision for Purdue. It wouldn’t shock me if they are front runners in the Big 10 in these next few years.”
And the dieticians turned on Griffin, too.
“The thing that impressed me was their dietary support,” Griffin said. “This is because of the amount of technology that goes into making sure you get the amount calories that you need every day to gain healthy weight. Also, the weight room is state-of-the-art.
Defensive ends coach Jake Trump told the Benkes he plans to pay them a visit when spring practices start this month and when college coaches are allowed to travel.
“I am excited to see what is next,” said Griffin, right after the pair visited Purdue for a spring practice. “I think Coach Odom has a very different outlook for his program and it gets me fired up. I love the way that he wants his players to attack every part of their day. Great things are coming for Purdue with Coach Odom there.”
