Trey Benson ready to take center stage as Cardinals’ new running back
The Arizona Cardinals are facing a challenging transition as they prepare to kick off Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football. The unfortunate injury to James Conner has left a significant void in the backfield, but it also opens the door for Trey Benson to step up and showcase his talents as the team’s new starting running back.
While Benson had already begun to carve out a role for himself, the urgency of the situation now calls for him to fully embrace the opportunity. Although Emari Demercado is available to share the workload, Benson is poised to be the primary option moving forward.
Reasons to believe in Trey Benson
Benson’s rise to prominence is rooted in a combination of athletic prowess, collegiate success, and early NFL impact.
Athleticism on display
From his high school days, Benson has consistently displayed elite athletic ability. Over his final two seasons, he racked up an impressive 3,616 rushing yards and 48 touchdowns. His talents only continued to flourish at both Oregon and Florida State.
At the NFL Combine, Benson further solidified his reputation as an explosive athlete. He clocked an impressive 4.39-second 40-yard dash, complemented by a vertical jump of 33.5 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet, 2 inches. Additionally, he showcased his strength with 23 bench press repetitions, underscoring his all-around capabilities.
Collegiate success at Florida State
Benson’s career took a significant turn when he transferred to Florida State after a challenging stint at Oregon. At FSU, he truly shone, logging a remarkable 990-yard season in 2022 while averaging 6.4 yards per carry. In 2023, he continued to excel, accumulating 906 yards at a rate of 5.8 yards per carry. His ability to find the end zone was evident, as he scored a total of 23 rushing touchdowns over his two seasons with the Seminoles. Additionally, he demonstrated versatility by catching 20 passes for 227 yards in his final year.
Promising NFL beginnings
Selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Benson has already made a name for himself in the league. In his rookie season, he averaged 4.6 yards per carry despite limited opportunities. This year, he has taken his performance to the next level, averaging 6.0 yards per carry on 21 attempts for 125 yards. He has also been more involved in the passing game, with eight receptions for 45 yards, surpassing his reception total from his rookie year.
In Week 3, when Conner sustained his injury, Benson rose to the occasion, running 10 times for 42 yards and adding three catches for nine yards. As he prepares for an increased workload, all eyes will be on him to see if he can deliver the performance the Cardinals desperately need.
As the Cardinals gear up for their matchup against the Seahawks, Benson is not just stepping into the starting role; he is ready to seize the moment and prove himself as a formidable force on the field. The stage is set for Benson to shine, and fans will be eager to see if he can dash past defenders with the same speed and tenacity that has defined his journey thus far.
