Here's why Arizona Cardinals rookie Trey Benson reminded teammates of Forrest Gump
When Trey Benson breaks through the defensive line and gets a chance to exploit the “second level” of an opposing defense, the Cardinals’ rookie running back said he immediately will go into “Forrest Gump” mode.
That’s what Benson, Arizona’s third-round pick out of Florida State, said his teammates used to call him. If you remember the movie, then you remember “Forrest Gump” in college, running with determination and speed on kickoff returns for Alabama in the film that won the Oscar for best picture and netted Tom Hanks one as well for best actor.
Well, that was Benson in real life, so to speak. Once he hit daylight, he usually was gone.
“Don’t get caught. Don’t let anybody touch me,” Benson said Friday after participating in the start of the Cardinals’ three-day rookie minicamp in Tempe. “Yeah, once I get to the second level? My teammates used to call me Forrest Gump. Once I get to the second level, it’s Forrest Gump. Don’t get caught, just run. Hit your head on the goal post.”
The idea of a possible combination of both Benson and veteran James Conner in the Cardinals’ backfield could go together like “peas and carrots,” to borrow a line from the film.
As much as the Cardinals seemingly might want to integrate late-season addition Michael Carter and perhaps adding returning undrafted rookie free agent Emari Demercado into the mix, and trying to find room for veteran newcomer DeeJay Dallas as well, all signs point to a 1-2 punch of Conner and Benson leading Arizona’s power rushing attack this upcoming season.
And why not?
Benson, Conner complementing each other
Conner, 29, is coming off his first career 1,000-yard rushing season in the NFL and has been the backbone of the Cardinals’ run game the past three seasons. The 6-foot-1, 233-pound back has had problems staying healthy for a full year, however. Benson, 21, has a similar build (6-1, 223) and has the same physical running style. He also has that Gump-like explosive finish once he gets into the open field.
“I think Trey fits us from a schematic standpoint in that he’s instinctive, he’s tough he’s physical, he’s got good contact balance, he’s able to run through and gain tough yards,” General Manager Monti Ossenfort said on the most recent Dave Pasch Podcast.
“One thing that stands out about Trey is when he does have a crease, he has the speed to break it and pop the long run – something you don’t often see in running backs that are his size. So, I think he complements James very well.”
Born in Greenville, Miss., Benson rushed for 3,616 yards and 48 touchdowns in his final two high school seasons at Saint Joseph Catholic. He had 18 total 100-yard rushing games, averaged 144.6 yards per game and 13.9 yards per carry while leading his school to back-to-back 3A MAIS state championships.
He blew out his knee during his freshman season at Oregon on a non-contact play during practice but rehabbed his way back and played in a limited role the next year. It was a difficult time, to be sure.
“Me talking to my family every day, that kept me going,” he said. “I just kept a level head, stayed positive, and I embraced the injury because it made me who I am today.”
Overcoming his injury, adversity
Benson’s career took off after he transferred to Florida State. He ran for 990 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022 and 906 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Ten of his 25 TDs went for 30-plus yards, and he was the only player in the nation last season to have both a touchdown run and touchdown reception of 80 or more yards.
“He’s explosive,” Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said. “You see the speed, the quickness, the feet, the home run ability. He averaged close to seven yards a carry there in college last year.”
Rated by many draft analysts and scouting services as the top running back prospect in this year’s draft, Benson was the second tailback selected behind Jonathon Brooks of Texas, who went to the Panthers in the second round.
With Conner entering the final year of his contract, most people presumed the Cardinals would draft a running back at some point. With four picks in the third round, they couldn’t afford to let Benson slip through their fingers.
“I wasn’t surprised,” Benson said. “Every time I spoke with the Cardinals it was always great vibes. Them taking a chance on me, I wasn’t surprised at all.”
The Cardinals’ 2,365 rushing yards ranked fourth-best in the league last year and was the team’s most in a single season since 1979. They also led the NFL with four games of 200 or more rushing yards, a feat they accomplished three times in their final four games.
And yes, Benson is aware of that.
“Run the rock. Can’t say more than that,” he said, smiling. “Just give the ball to the running backs because we can do everything on the field. We’re like hybrids. We can block, pass block, we catch the ball and we run the ball. So, I’m looking forward to this offense for sure.”
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cardinals' rookie Trey Benson could form 1-2 punch with James Conner
