NOVI - “Playing higher competition and seeing how you can do.” is what Brendon Bennett is looking forward to the most when it comes to playing college baseball.

The Novi sophomore will get that opportunity at the school he’s always rooted for - The University of Michigan.

“Growing up a Michigan fan, I basically decided to go there a week or two after they gave me an offer,” the 20th-rated 2024 left-handed pitcher in the nation said.

That came after a connection with the Big 10 school developed quickly over the summer.

“I first talked to Michigan in July,” Bennett reflected. “I was talking with (assistant head) coach (Nick) Schnabel first and talked with him a couple times, then I talked with (pitching) coach (Steve) Merriman. They saw me play in Georgia in mid-July and I talked with (head) coach (Erik) Bakich in early August about an offer.

“I really liked all the coaches,” the top-ranked sophomore LHP in the state continued. “They made me feel really comfortable. I think they will get me developed.”

SEC and ACC schools were also on the radar of the 6-0 180-pound southpaw, but the chance to play for Michigan, his long-time favorite, was too much to pass up.

“The culture of Michigan is different, I feel, than any other school,” Bennett explained. “They know how to develop players. There aren’t many that have draft picks at a high level like they do.”

Improvement over the past year has the 189th-rated 2024 in the country on the right path toward that goal.

“I’ve gained a lot of velocity from a year ago,” Bennett pointed out. “I was topping in the high-70s, maybe 80. I got in the weight room, I’ve been working on my mechanics and I grew a little bit. That’s all helped me.”

The Michigan coaching staff likes what they have seen in the 15-year-old lefty.

“They like as a left-handed pitcher how hard I throw and they like my off-speed pitches,” Bennett noted. “I can mix my pitches up well enough that you can’t just sit on one pitch.”

Pitching coach Josh Mason has been vital when it comes to development, according to Bennett, while coach Brandon Turner and coach Cody Church have been helpful in the recruiting process that the promising left-handed hurler learned to enjoy.

“It was surprising stuff to see all those college coaches in the stands come watch you,” Bennett related. “When you first realize you’re talking to a college coach it’s exciting and a little nerve-wracking, but you get more comfortable with that after the first couple times.”

Finance is the planned major for the 3.5 student, who believes he can be a major asset to the program just a half hour from his home in Novi.

“I feel I’ll be able to bring a good teammate who can bring up other teammates,” the fourth-ranked sophomore in Michigan said. “I also feel I’ll be able to help the program by being a really good pitcher.”

A commitment to his dream school brought a sense of relief when it all became official.

“It was really exciting,” Bennett concluded. “It felt like you got something off your plate and you accomplished something big. Now I’m looking forward to all the grind to get better in college. I’m excited about that, too.”