ASU’s Benjamin looking to build on record game
Arizona State sophomore Eno Benjamin played running back in a conventional offense during his first three years at Wylie East High School in Texas. But then-coach Joe Lepsis had a problem finding a quarterback prior to Benjamin’s senior year. After a few weeks of practice, the situation had yet to resolve itself so Benjamin went to Lepsis and asked to change positions.
Lepsis scoffed at the idea at first. But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
“He said to me, ‘No one knows the offense better than I do,’ ” Lepsis said. “And he was right. He’s a very smart player in addition to his physical skills. So we made the move.”
Benjamin, who graduated from high school early so he could enroll early at ASU, excelled that season in the wildcat offense tailored for him. So the coach is not surprised that his former player is excelling at the college level.
The 5-foot-10, 203-pounder is coming off a history-making, 312-yard effort in a 52-24 win over Oregon State Saturday at Sun Devil Stadium. It was the first 300-yard effort by a Division I player this season, and it shattered the previous single-game school rushing record of 250 yards set by Ben Malone in 1973.
Next up for Benjamin and the Sun Devils (3-2, 1-1) is a Saturday showdown at Colorado (4-0, 2-0).
Not surprisingly, Benjamin was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week on Monday. A day later he was handed another accolade as the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose National Player of the Week.
Benjamin says he had no idea he was on the precipice of a record-setting game until teammate Frank Darby mentioned something to him late in the second half.
“He told me I needed 16 yards to go over 300,” Benjamin said after Tuesday’s practice. “I really don’t think about those things.”
Those close to him are not surprised. “He’s capable of that every game,” Lepsis said. “I told recruiters when they were coming around he was a ‘can’t miss’ prospect. He isn’t the biggest back I have had or the fastest but he is the best back.”
ASU coach Herm Edwards also compares Benjamin favorably to one of his noteworthy alums.
“He reminds me a little bit of Curtis Martin,” Edwards said, referring to the Hall of Fame running back he coached during his time with the New York Jets. “About the same stature. Doesn’t look big. Doesn’t look like he can break tackles. But he does.”
Benjamin has been spending considerable time with his offensive line watching film and going over blocking schemes. His coaches say it has paid off.
“It’s about them being on the same page,” ASU running backs coach John Simon said.
Simon has also put his featured back in touch with a couple of his other standout pupils – Ito Smith of the Falcons and Jalen Richard of the Raiders. The players and their coach are on a group text and will take turns breaking down each other’s performances and offering advice.
Late in his high school career, Benjamin worked out with former Chargers great LaDainian Tomlinson, thanks to a mutual friend in the training industry. He credits some of those sessions, as well as the agility he developed through his years playing soccer, as a factor in his extraordinary balance and what has become a trademark spin move.
Last year as a true freshman Benjamin managed 145 yards, playing behind two veteran backs in Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage.
With those players departed, Benjamin has stepped nicely into a leading role. Barely halfway through the season, he is up to 595 yards on 98 tries which ranks him sixth nationally.
Benjamin’s coaches also appreciate his humble demeanor. He laughs about the many accolades he earned in high school of which he never informed those in his inner circle.
“I got different honors and I never told my family and then they would get mad at me for not telling them,” he said. “I just didn’t think it was that big a deal. I’m just out there doing my job.”