Today in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Arizona State received a pledge from Wylie, Tex. running back Eno Benjamin, the second-ever highest rated prospect to commit to the Sun Devils. We invited former ASU fullback and NFL All-Pro, Mike Karney, to break down Benjamin’s skill set and discuss how the four-star prospect can impact the ASU ground attack.
The 5-9 203-pound Eno Benjamin is ranked no. 5 among all 2017 running backs prospects and no. 71 among all prospects regardless of position in his class. He was formerly committed to Iowa. During the recruiting process he was condisering Utah, Michigan, Texas, and Baylor among others.
Benjamin is an extremely dynamic player, who Karney feels is equally effective running between the tackles, as he is bouncing outside off tackle. He is also a solid route runner and an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
“Eno is a big, physical kid with excellent vision, patience, and balance,” Karney said. “He is explosive to and through the hole and possesses the power to run you over. He’s very quick and good at reading his blocks. He has home run hitting speed in the open field, and displays the quick feet needed to start and stop without losing any ground. He has big time playmaking ability and reminds me of a younger Kalen Ballage.
“He’s very versatile as he was used a lot as the wildcat QB in his high school offense. He does a great job of setting up his blockers in front of him. He displays superior elusiveness with great hip flexibility and knee bend. Can cut on a dime, even making those cuts on defenders in pursuit. He’s a natural runner of the football who lowers his center of gravity effortlessly. Very obvious watching his tape that he has a very strong lower body and is hard to bring down. Has above average hands with the ability to be split outside on the perimeter or in the slot as a receiver.”
Like any high school prospect, Benjamin will need to refine some of his skills to be effective at the next level. Karney identified one in specific that can help the running back be a better-rounded player.
“He will still need to show what he can do in blitz pick up when the opportunity presents itself,” Karney commented. “Being such a phenomenal talent and by far the best player on the field in High School, it will be interesting to see how his game transfers over versus better talent at the D-1 level. He shows toughness as a runner but carrying a lot of the workload in his offense throughout his high school career, durability could be a concern.”
Generally speaking, though, Karney feels that Benjamin has minimal weaknesses to his game and his versatility is one of his most impressive traits.
“He is an A+ talent who can be featured in a variety of ways,” Karney stated. “Running back, wide receiver, and even quarterback - he can throw and throw very well. He is a difference-maker when on the field. His play is infectious and will uplift any offense he is a part of.
“He does a lot of difficult things with ease. He can play right now and will require a lot of attention from an opposing defense which will change the dynamic of an offense and open up other playmakers on the field. He is a football player that loves to play and it shows. Whoever lands this kid will have a special player and by far one of, the best freshmen prospects in the country.”
Mike Karney was a fifth-round pick in the 2004 draft. He played for the St. Louis Rams between 2004-2008 and the New Orleans Saints between 2009-10. He played in the NFL Pro Bowl in 2006 and 2007. After the 2006 season, Karney was voted Second-team All-pro.
