How this Rutgers football RB is aiming to become a more versatile weapon
Rutgers football running back Ja'shon Benjamin is working on one important part of his skillset to maximize his value for the offense.
PISCATAWAY – In his three seasons with Rutgers football , Ja’shon Benjamin has consistently maximized the opportunities he’s gotten. Playing in a back-up role, Benjamin’s emerged as a reliable weapon as part of a deep and talented running back room. But this offseason the Pahokee, Fla.
native wants to become a more complete player – and that means improving at pass blocking, something several other backs in recent seasons, Kyle Monangai especially, excelled at. It might not be flashy or what always gets the attention at that position, but Benjamin understands the importance. “That’s what I’m trying to focus on every day,” Benjamin said during spring practices.
“Every time I’ve got to block someone, I focus on the details (running backs) Coach (Damiere) Shaw taught me. ” The 5-foot-9, 205-pound Benjamin has been an integral piece of the Scarlet Knights’ depth at running back, and next season will again be in that role behind Antwan Raymond, Rutgers’ latest 1,000-yard rusher and one of the Big Ten’s top running backs. Benjamin last season rushed for a career-high 328 yards on 68 carries (4.
8 yards per attempt) with two touchdowns. He also caught four passes for 19 yards. He helped Rutgers to a 27-24 win over Purdue in October by rushing for 78 yards – a strong complement to Raymond’s 116 yards on the ground.