Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson was a highlight reel in his collegiate days at Florida State University. For much of the 2023-24 NCAA football season, Benson was long argued to have been deserving of the Heisman Trophy. Yet, consistent lingering injuries kept Benson from maintaining his renown among NFL and college football analysts at the conclusion of the college season.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 03: Trey Benson #33 and James Conner #6 of the Arizona Cardinals poses together during the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Still, the Cardinals took a chance by drafting Benson in the 2024 NFL draft and fans were able to see some of his upside in his rookie NFL season. Benson had his reps in moderation, playing behind starting running back James Conner, but still, Benson finished his rookie season with 63 carries and 291 rushing yards and one touchdown.
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Benson, however, appeared to be running gingerly in his rookie season and rightfully so. An avoidant approach to football should have been expected for Benson given his recent injuries in college. However, it’ll have been after two years of recalibration in the fall and fans should expect to see Benson turn it up a notch. The Cardinals have long needed a one-two punch at the running back position and soon Benson may have an opportunity to act as the successor to Conner. Benson’s agility and downhill running style should help the Cardinals on early downs and allow for offensive coordinator Drew Petzing to open up the playbook the way he has been wanting to.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals RB Trey Benson might have his breakout year in 2025