The Arizona Cardinals drafted running back Trey Benson in the third round. In his first training camp, he’s been soaking it up and listening to what the veterans have to tell him. Following practice on Friday the rookie back spoke to the media, video courtesy of the Cardinals’ YouTube channel.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In his first year in the desert, he’ll have an opportunity to work with two-time Pro Bowler James Conner. Conner is coming off the first 1,000-yard season of his career, a mark he sees as the new floor in his career. Given the shorter careers at the position, Benson is looking for tips from the seven-year veteran.
“He’s been in the league for more than seven years, so I want to take I can from him,” said Benson. “Because that’s one of the best people to look up to in my position, the running back position. So every little thing he tells me, I write it down in my little notepad and keep going.”
Conner and Benson have been working out together in the offseason. They went out to UCLA with Kyler Murray to work on some team bonding exercises with the entire offense. It was a chance to meet players he watched on TV.
In his first camp, he’s figuring out the blocking scheme and jotting down what he needs to know. He played two years at Florida State before entering the NFL, so there’s plenty for him to learn. He’s looking to stay healthy, develop a routine, soak up as much information as he can, and be ready to roll when his number is called. He’s already on his second notepad, noting the ones he uses aren’t that small.
In his notepad, he has five buckets: Physical, technical, schematic, psychological, and health. Head coach Jonathan Gannon talks about that all time, and that has stuck out for Benson.
“We need it every single day. We need the physical part, the schematic part, and we need to be technical with our stuff. And health-wise, we need to take care of our body. What else am I missing? Psychological. I’m still learning the psychological word”
In the NFL game, there’s more to the running back position than carrying the rock. At that spot, the backs have to be able to contribute in the passing game, both as a receiver and a blocker, to get opportunities on the field. At Florida State, he didn’t get many opportunities to showcase himself as a receiver. He has been catching a couple of balls a day and hoping to showcase himself more in the Cardinals’ offense.
As a blocker, the speed in the NFL is much faster in college, so he has to have his head on a swivel. NFL defensive coordinators are much more creative in designing blitz packages, so being able to identify the extra rusher and good technique are important aspects of pass protection. Teammate Michael Carter II has gotten on him for not having a good base on his blocks. Carter pulled Benson, who have a good history together from their ACC days, off to the side and gave him pointers on what to do, something the latter appreciated.
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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
