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Trey Benson Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Power build and excellent size
- True power back
- Keeps legs going after contact
- Consistently breaks tackles
- Finishes runs well
- Burst to the hole
- Drags tacklers
- Has the build for a big work load
- Runs well in the second half
- Can contribute as a receiver
- Durable
- Ready to contribute quickly
- Good knee bend
- Runs behind his pads
- Straight-line speed
- Upside
Weaknesses:
- Can be indecisive as a runner
- Will have to learn NFL blitz protection
- Blitz awareness needs improvement
Prospect Summary:
Florida State experienced a resurgence in the 2023 season, going undefeated before getting blown out by Georgia in a meaningless bowl game. The Seminoles’ resurgence was led by a bunch of transfer players who they landed out of the transfer portal, including Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Keon Coleman and Trey Benson. Benson started out his collegiate career at Oregon before landing with Florida State for 2022. As a Seminole in 2022, he averaged 6.4 yards per carry for 990 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2023, he averaged 5.8 yards per carry for 905 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also caught 20 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown.
As a runner, Benson is a load. He is a true power back who drives over defenders and constantly bursts through tackles. Bensons’s power and strength give him the physicality to potentially be an excellent short-yardage and goal-line back for the NFL. He consistently breaks tackles and carries defenders, while also doing a fantastic job of keeping his legs churning after contact. Benson’s power allows him to finish runs well, and he will often drag tacklers behind him.
Benson is not just a power back, as he has a burst to hit the hole and acceleration to get downfield. Benson displays good contact balance and patience that allow him to flow to the line before darting downfield. Benson will power through arm tackles, and his legs don’t go dead on contact. With his burst and strength to run through contact, Benson is a dangerous threat to break runs into the second level. Sometimes, Benson can be hesitant and indecisive as a runner, and for the NFL, he will need to work on improving his vision, decisiveness, and avoiding taking extra steps.
As a receiver, Benson will need some work for the NFL because the Kentucky offense did not throw him the ball much. He flashed the ability to contribute as a receiver. Still, Benson will need development in route-running along with blitz protection.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, Benson could be a second-day pick. He has the physical talent to turn into a solid starter at the next level.
Prospect Comparison:
Jamaal Williams. Benson reminds me of Williams when he was running well with the Lions. Williams is a powerful back with a good burst who also can contribute some as a receiver. In the NFL, Benson could be a similar running back to Williams.
RELATED LINKS:
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
