Caleb Pearson, a versatile 5-foot-8, 175-pound running back and wide receiver from C.A. Johnson High School in Columbia, South Carolina, has committed to stay in his hometown. He will play for the Division II HBCU Benedict College Tigers under first-year head coach Ron Dickerson Jr. in the Capital City.

After receiving an offer from Benedict on May 23, Pearson officially committed just one week later, on May 30. "I'm very excited to sign with Benedict. I'm thankful to get an opportunity to play at the next level, and it's definitely a blessing," Pearson told Lee Wardlaw, co-owner of Palmetto Preps.

Dickerson takes over the program following former head coach Chennis Barry's move to South Carolina State on December 12. He inherits a successful program. The Tigers are back-to-back Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions and HBCU national champions in the Division 2. Benedict has finished each of their last two regular seasons with an undefeated record.

Dickerson brings 27 years of coaching experience to the table for the Tigers, a resume which includes a head coaching stop at Gardner-Webb and several others along the way. He comes to Columbia after serving as an assistant at West Florida for two seasons, helping the Argonauts capture back-to-back Gulf South Conference titles during his most recent stint from 2022-23. Under Dickerson's guidance, the Argos finished No. 5 in passing yards per completion in 2022 and No. 17 in passing offense and No. 20 in total offense in 2023.

Pearson graded out as an FCS talent, according to our Palmetto Preps evaluation. The exciting athlete possesses good speed, agility, and physicality. The local product is excited to play at the next level and learn under the veteran head coach in Columbia. "I feel as if he's a very experienced and winning coach. His resume speaks for itself. I think Coach Dickerson will lead me in the right path and put me in a position to contribute to the team in the best ways possible," Pearson said.

The athlete informed Palmetto Preps he will play both wide receiver and running back for the Tigers.

Benedict wide receivers coach Paul Holmes played a significant role in recruiting Pearson. Holmes, who joined Benedict after coaching at South Carolina State, Wofford, and Mississippi Valley State, made a strong impression on Pearson. "I like Coach Holmes' energy. He reminds me of a former high school assistant," Pearson said.

Pearson totaled 1,800 rushing yards, 450 passing yards, and 144 receiving yards under the Palmetto State Friday Night Lights in 2023. Also starring on the other side of the ball as a defensive back, he recorded two interceptions and 52 tackles for the Hornets.