ASU RB Eno Benjamin could be one of the best kept secrets in college football
Aug 28, 2019, 5:44 PM | Updated: 7:58 pm
Arizona State running back Eno Benjamin (3) breaks the tackle of Arizona linebacker Colin Schooler in the second half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
With the college football season about to fully get underway this weekend, there are plenty of storylines to watch out for.
ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit selected his favorites for the 2019 season, and the Sun Devils received a few nods.
Herbstreit noted that running back Eno Benjamin could be one of the best kept secrets in college football.
Throughout the 2018 season, he handled 60 percent of ASU’s rushing attempts.
As a sophomore, Benjamin tallied 16 rushing touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,642 yards, breaking ASU’s single season record which Woody Green previously held in 1972 with 1,565 rushing yards. His total was the 24th-most in Pac-12 running back single season history.
Entering his junior season, Benjamin needs just 216 rushing yards to eclipse the 2,000 career rushing yard mark.
According to Pro Football Focus, Benjamin was the highest-graded running back in the Pac-12 last season with a 90.1 rushing score, which was good for sixth nationally among his position with at least 400 snaps.
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Herbstreit also encouraged fans to keep an eye on Alabama RB Brian Robinson, Minnesota WR Tyler Johnson, Texas A&M WR Quartney Davis and Miami DB Tajan Bandy.
In addition to the individual recognition, Herbstreit named Arizona State as a surprise team to watch out for.
Currently, ESPN’s rankings project ASU to average 6.5 wins this season.
Herbstreit even went as far as to predict that Arizona State will win the Pac-12 South but lose to Washington in the title game.
He also pointed to Minnesota, Wake Forest, Baylor and East Carolina as names to keep tabs on this season.
Arizona State opens their season Thursday at home against Kent State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Listen to the game on KTAR News 92.3 FM. Coverage begins at 5 p.m.
