Devy Summer Scouting Series: Running Backs, Part Two

All I can say is: it’s tough to be a running back nowadays. The market seems to get uglier each year for running backs with no real good solution in sight. The only option most star running backs have is to sign their franchise tender, play on essentially a one-year deal, and hope to earn a multi-year contract the following season. It’s the unfortunate reality of the life of a running back in today’s NFL.

However, part two of the Devy Summer Scouting series for running backs is here and will introduce you to the rest of the college field this upcoming season. If you missed part one, you can find it here.

After my evaluation of this class, two things are clear to me: 1) There is a lot of depth. 2) This class is loaded with power backs.

Here they are.

Trey Benson, Florida State - 601 223; R-Jr

Benson was the number six ranked prospect out of the state of Mississippi in the class of 2020. Initially committing to Oregon, he spent 2020 and 2021 in Eugene before transferring to the Seminoles during the 2022 winter transfer period.

Benson found immediate success last season, rushing for nearly 1,000 yards and continuing to get better with each game. If you have not watched Benson’s performance last season versus Florida, you should go back and watch it. Everything to like about him is displayed in one single game.

He runs with very good patience and control at the line of scrimmage and protects the ball through traffic. He is big-bodied at a listed 6’1” and 223 pounds with the frame to carry multiple defenders and push the pile forward for tough yards. His best trait may be his nasty stiff arm that is physical and slams defenders into the dirt. Benson also displayed bend and loose hips in his lateral movement with the suddenness to stop/start in tight spaces. He excels in attacking play-side gaps and is patient with his blockers up front to make the correct read and explodes to the second level with a burst and precise cuts. In the open field, he is powerful and wants to punish defenders with his physicality, but can also rack up extra yards with his contact balance and juice.

Benson will play another big role for the Seminoles this year as they make a potential push for a playoff berth and ACC title contenders. He will be an exciting day two prospect next spring, with an early/mid-second-round projection if he takes another step.

If he gets that projected draft capital, he will be an option in the back half of round one in rookie drafts next spring, with a potential ceiling as a mid-1st if he lands in an ideal situation.

TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State - 510 214; Jr