Benton just wants a chance
Al-Rasheed Benton has seen it happen for players in many different ways.
It being the opportunity to play at the NFL level and during his time in Morgantown he’s seen players drafted early such as wide receiver Kevin White, late like KJ Dillon or Wendell Smallwood or even sign free agent contracts to begin their careers such as starting Tennessee Titans guard Quinton Spain.
There is no blueprint that will ensure NFL success, but there isn’t even the possibility if the door isn’t open to attempt it in the first place. That’s all Benton wants is the chance regardless how it unfolds.
It’s not a position he’s unfamiliar with though. As a prospect out of New Jersey, Benton had to earn the trust of the coaches during his time at West Virginia first playing special teams for two years before becoming a starter and eventually one of the best players on the Mountaineers defense.
It took time and effort, but Benton was there to provide both along the way.
“All of that has been a stepping stone,” he said.
While not invited to the NFL Combine, Benton has spent his time after the season training for the chance to showcase his abilities in front of team representatives at the West Virginia Pro-Day. That training was held in Indianapolis where he focused on improving his foot speed.
That training was a little different from the game of football as he had to focus on drills that were a long way from wearing the pads and hitting, but it’s all part of the process.
“You play all of those game days to have this opportunity,” he said.
Benton weighed in at 242-pounds at the event and used the platform to display where he has improved. Feedback was mostly positive, but he understands that doesn’t mean anything when it comes to the draft process and how teams look at potential additions to the roster.
“They talk to you but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Just like in college just because you got a letter doesn’t mean it’s a scholarship,” he said.
While the drills are important, perhaps more essential will be how it matches up to his film and the understanding he can show of NFL defenses. So far so good in that department.
“They want to see if I can take in the playbooks and learn,” he said.
Benton hopes to eventually have a career in broadcasting but hopes that isn’t until sometime in the future as he puts all of his focus on trying to get that opportunity to play in the NFL.
“It’s out of my hands with whatever they decide,” he said “I just want the opportunity.”
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