Greenville’s own Trey Benson has decided its time to move on to the highest level of football.
Benson, who was one of the best running backs in the nation at Florida State this season, announced on social media last weekend that he is entering the NFL draft and will not play in the Seminoles’ Orange Bowl game against the Georgia Bulldogs.
In a statement, he wrote: “I cannot begin to express how valuable my two years here have been, especially the relationships I’ve made with teammates, coaches, athletic training, academic staff and the whole FSU family. When I committed to Florida State I had no idea the type of growth and development I would experience as a man and a football player. I appreciate the FSU family for welcoming a kid from Mississippi with open rms.
“I’m thankful for my family and the support everyone has given me and for the man upstairs for putting me in this position. I have decided to enter the 2024 NFL Draft and will not play in the orange bowl. I will forever carry FSU with me wherever I go. Thank you again to Florida State and to the incredible fans. I love you guys so much.”
Benson is one of the greatest running backs to come out of the Delta in recent years. He was a star player at both O’Bannon High School and St. Joseph Catholic School, leading St. Joseph to multiple state championships.
Benson, who spent two seasons with the Seminoles, helped Florida State to an undefeated season this year, rushing for 905 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Benson overcame major knee surgery at Oregon in 2020 but never gave up his dream of making it to the NFL.
This season he has quickly moved up the NFL Draft board and is now projected to be one of the top running backs in the draft.
As a running back, Benson’s decision to put his name in the NFL Draft makes further sense because of the risk injury at the position. Players with pass-catching ability like Benson have a much better chance of getting drafted than pure rushers.
