PFN Player Profile: Getting to know Spring-Ford LB/RB Michael Bendowski
Tagged under: District 1, News, Player Previews
Billy Splain | June 1, 2023
Michael Bendowski
Inside linebacker, Running back
Spring-Ford
Class Of 2024
Jersey #40
HT/WT 6’0 210
103 career tackles, 406 yards on 34 carries and 8 total touchdowns
Other sports Lacrosse
2nd team all PAC defensive line 2021, 2nd team all PAC inside linebacker 2022, first team all area linebacker 2022
Twitter @BendowskiMike
Michael is a “4-year varsity player who will have a big year on both sides of the ball” says Rams head coach Chad Brubaker.
Why do you play football?
I play football because it provides me a sense of joy and camaraderie, it also helps me connect with my community off the field.
Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?
Brian Dawkins, his attitude and devotion to winning and his physical play style are things I try to model my game after.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:
My game tying touchdown against Ridley in the district playoffs last year. I remember watching the hole open up on the right side then stiff arming the linebacker and beating the safety to the end zone.
What was last years season like for you?
Last years season was an improvement, the goal is always to win our conference but beating Ridley in district playoffs and battling with the district champions showed teams around the state we can play with anybody.
What are your goals for this coming season?
As a team being conference, district and state champions is always the goal. For myself all conference, area and state.
Who is the best player you ever lined up against?
Anthony Ivey
What stadium, HS/college/pro would you love to visit for a game?
Beaver Stadium
What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?
Philadelphia Eagles
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?
Miracle at the meadowlands 2, sitting with my grandfather watching DeSean Jackson return that punt for a touchdown is a core memory of mine.
What would you do to improve the recruiting process?
Describe what the perfect teammate is
The perfect teammate is someone who offers support and guidance to other teammates but also knows when to check someone into place, also being a team first guy and always putting the we over me.
Tell everyone why you think football is good for a community
I think football is good for a community because it’s something that can bring all people together.
Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
Throw for a touchdown
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?
My grandfather, my grandfather always put his family first in any situation, even when he was battling with cancer he was always picking me and my brothers up from school, making us breakfast, and showing up to my football games. He was also a hard worker and put pride in whatever he was doing.
What is your favorite practice drill? What is your least favorite practice drill?
My favorite practice drill is the gauntlet, where 3 blockers line up and you have to pass each one before tackling the pad. I can’t think of a least favorite
Preseason Two a Days are:
AWESOME! It’s football all day and it helps you further your bond with your teammates
Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?
When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?
Playing video games and fishing, video games because it’s still competitive and I play with my friends, and fishing because it’s relaxing
What is your favorite football memory to date?
Beating Ridley in the district playoffs.
What is your favorite play to run?
Anything from our pin pull series
is a hot dog a sandwich?
Music of choice:
Country
Best thing you ever got from a teammate? Why?
Best Pizza topping?
None, plain cheese is the way to go.
Which one? Sheetz or Wawa
Wawa
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Marco Island, Florida
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