Newton senior Jose Benitez held a signing ceremony at the high school on Wednesday. He plans to play football at Iowa Central Community College next fall.
Benitez chose the Tritons over offers from Northern Iowa, Central College and Coe College.
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March 13, 2025
Newton’s Benitez to play football at Iowa Central Community College
Cardinal senior plans to major in criminal justice
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Newton senior Jose Benitez, center, had a signing ceremony at the high school on Wednesday. He will play football for Iowa Central Community College and his mother Ana Benitez and sister Susanna Benitez, right, joined him for the experience. Jose Benitez chose Iowa Central over offers from Northern Iowa, Central College and Coe College. “The others are obviously great programs, but my biggest things were playing time and culture,” Benitez said. “That’s what I had here. That’s how I learned. I also thrive in an underdog role and a lot of people look down on junior colleges.” Benitez said he plans to major in criminal justice and expects to play either tackle or guard on the offensive line. “I have a way better chance to play right away there,” Benitez said. “Development is important, but I really want to go somewhere where I can get playing time and development at the same time. That’s what happened here, too.” (Troy Hyde/Newton News)