Carson Bender
Carson Bender
About Carson
Expert Analysis
Ed OBrien | Prep Redzone Scout
In the past couple of weeks, Bender has taken gameday visits to both Harvard and Dartmouth. Through November 15th, Bender was credited with 96 total tackles (41 solo, 5.5 TFL) and has deflected seven passes. Last week, his best play came on offense, where he caught a 43-yard touchdown pass straight down the middle of the field. Bender also had a nice sideline-to-sideline play where he knocks the running back off his feet near the sidelines and out of bounds. Great show of relentless pursuit and physicality.
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Read EvaluationCorey Bailey | Prep Redzone Scout
Carson Bender
Carson
Bender
5'11" | 185 lbs | RB/LB
Fort Hill | 2027
State
MD
is best known for his offensive production, but this season he’s proving to be just as valuable on the defensive side of the ball. The versatile Fort Hill standout has racked up 78 tackles, showcasing his toughness and instincts as a defender.
Bender’s versatility is what sets him apart, he can run the ball out of the backfield, make plays as a receiver past the line of scrimmage, and even serve as the team’s field goal holder. Now adding “defensive leader” to his résumé, Bender continues to show he’s the kind of all-around athlete who impacts the game in every phase.
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Read EvaluationCorey Bailey | Prep Redzone Scout
Carson Bender
Carson
Bender
5'11" | 185 lbs | RB/LB
Fort Hill | 2027
State
MD
: Versatile Playmaker with Elite Footwork and Receiving Ability
Carson Bender
Carson
Bender
5'11" | 185 lbs | RB/LB
Fort Hill | 2027
State
MD
is a dynamic, multi-dimensional running back who brings versatility and suddenness to every offensive snap. Whether lined up in the backfield or split out wide, Bender creates mismatches with his ability to make defenders miss in space.
What makes Bender especially dangerous is his footwork. He’s sudden in and out of his cuts, showing the ability to change direction effortlessly and leave defenders flat-footed in the open field. With reliable hands and natural instincts as a receiver, he thrives in a modern, pass-friendly role while still maintaining the toughness needed to run between the tackles.
As Fort Hill transitions from the loss of their graduating rushing leader, Bender is poised to take on an expanded role in their run-heavy system. With his skill set and opportunity for touches on the rise, expect Bender to be a major focal point and breakout performer this season.
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Read EvaluationCorey Bailey | Prep Redzone Scout
Bender is a young veteran poised for a breakout season. He navigates through defenses with the precision of a GPS, showcasing elite vision, agility, and change of direction that make weaving through defenders look effortless. His instincts as a ball carrier are advanced beyond his years.
Last season, Bender totaled 418 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns, while also contributing as a pass catcher with 7 receptions for 134 yards and 4 touchdowns. With his dynamic playmaking ability and growing experience, Bender is a strong candidate to emerge as one of the area’s top offensive threats this year.
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Read EvaluationCorey Bailey | Prep Redzone Scout
Bender is a player that will be a weapon on the offense for years to come; he finished the season with 807 all-purpose yards and 8 touchdowns. Carson made most of his plays on the ground, rushing for 598 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’s a smooth ballcarrier who weaves through the defense and slips out of weak tackles. After a few years to develop and add some explosiveness to his running style look for him to linger around the top of his class rankings.
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Read EvaluationAlan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
In a state and region where private schools rule the roost, Fort Hills High School, a public high school in Maryland, currently sits 11-1 and ranked No.15 in the state (4th if you remove private schools) as they head into the playoffs. Looking ahead to next year, the Sentinels will likely get the services of current eighth-grader Caron Bend, who has recently wrapped up a tremendous youth football career. The 5-foot-10, 155-pound Bend was recently named MVP of the Cumberland Area Youth Football League for the second season in a row. In evaluating his film it’s easy to see why he earned those honors as he ran through, over and around opposing teams all year long as Running Back and was handing out snot bubble-causing hits like they were Halloween candy as a Linebacker. Living two hours west of Baltimore and less than 15 minutes to the Pennsylvania border, the competition he played against was far from the most competitive, when looking comparatively around the country. That said, Bend did exactly what he should have done, and was untouchable on the field. His older brother Lance Bender is a 2023 prospect currently getting looks from a few lower level college programs.
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