2 Cedar High athletes sign to play football at SUU

Written by Jeff Richards
February 2, 2023

CEDAR CITY — Two Cedar High School seniors have signed to play football for Southern Utah University.

Cedar High football players Parker Kucifer and Bryson Bennett signed letters of intent to play for Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah, Feb. 1, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

Kicker Parker Kucifer and middle linebacker Bryson Bennett signed their letters of intent at lunchtime on Wednesday in the school’s lecture hall.

Both players’ parents spoke of their sons’ football journeys, with Kucifer initially starting out intending to play soccer before finding his niche as a football kicker. Meanwhile, Bennett played multiple positions over his four-year career at Cedar, including center and long snapper on offense and outside and middle linebacker on defense.

Josh Bennett, Bryson’s father and Cedar’s head football coach, said he was proud of both players for all their hard work.

“I’m looking forward to seeing them do great things,” he said.

Kucifer’s senior year stats included converting 6-of-7 field goals with a long of 45 yards. He made a game-winning 38-yard field goal in overtime at Pine View. He also put 26 kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks, his coach said.

Both players said they were looking forward to being part of the SUU Thunderbirds football program, where they’ll be able to pursue a college degree while staying close to home and playing in front of family and friends.

Cedar High School athletic director Danny Lewis reminded the other students in attendance of the hard work and dedication needed to receive an athletic scholarship.

Cedar High athletic director Danny Lewis talks about the dedication of football players Bryson Bennett and Parker Kucifer, who signed letters of intent to play for Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah, Feb. 1, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

“You can’t just show up during the season and have it happen and get an opportunity to go play at the next level,” Lewis said.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone by the school and Parker’s out there kicking, kicking, kicking, kicking, kicking,” he said. “He’s probably kicked more than the previous five kickers combined at Cedar High in practice, and it got him to where he wants to be.”

“And Bryson in the weight room, the things that he does … there might even be some teammates here that know that he picked them up and made sure they were in the weight room with him to help the team,” Lewis said.

“Those are the things that get you on this stand, signing letters of intent,” he added. “So just know it doesn’t happen, it’s earned.”

Kucifer and Bennett were among several Southern Utah athletes announcing their college commitments. For more coverage of Region 10 athletes who signed to play in college, go to The Fan Sports Network.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Richards, a native of Salt Lake City with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Jeff is a longtime journalist and secondary school teacher. He and his wife Penny are the parents of five daughters. They also have three young grandsons. Jeff and his family enjoy swimming, camping, sightseeing, reading, and taking pictures.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @stgnews@moabjeff@stgnewssports

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