How this Rutgers football RB is aiming to become a more versatile weapon

Benjamin last season rushed for a career-high 328 yards on 68 carries (4.8 yards per attempt) with two touchdowns. He also caught four passes for 19 yards.

He helped Rutgers to a 27-24 win over Purdue in October by rushing for 78 yards – a strong complement to Raymond’s 116 yards on the ground.

But now Benjamin’s aiming to maximize his skillset and the ways he can help the offense.

“One thing is, he’s very, very smart and self aware,” Schiano said. “Benjie’s got tremendous hands, he’s a really good receiver. But if you get in there and you have to pass protect, the play goes to junk in a hurry if you can’t get the running back to handle the linebacker. Or understand how to chip and help the tackle. Chipping is a great concept as long as you know how to do it. If you don’t, you chip the guy off the block and it makes easier for the defender.”

Benjamin doesn’t have to look too far to find running backs to study – he said he’s watched how former Rutgers running backs Sam Brown and Aaron Young pass blocked, as well as Raymond and Monangai, who became particularly adept at that skill.

“I’ve been trying to watch them,” Benjamin said, “see what they were doing and use their technique.”

The more he can hone that part of his game, the more dynamic and valuable he can be as a running back.

This is all part of Benjamin’s steady development – and he’s frequently drawn praise from Schiano with the way he’s embraced his role and place within the running back room.

Rutgers is in strong shape with Raymond returning to build off his breakout season. The Scarlet Knights also brought in Louisiana Tech transfer Clay Thevenin to bolster depth at the position, while Edd Guerrier also returns as one of the more experienced players in the room.

“Ja’shon’s done a really good job,” Shaw said. “He’s more consistent. He’s a really, really smart player. He’s worked himself into that. And the work he’s put in learning our offense, learning defenses and learning the game of football as a whole. He’s definitely ascending as we’re exiting spring. I’m excited about the progress he’s made and hopefully he can stay on that trajectory. Not hopefully, I know he will.”

Benjamin’s already shown he can excel as a Big Ten running back.

Improving and refining his pass blocking is the next step in his development.

“I think Benjie’s really worked hard to make that a positive of his, not a neutral,” Schiano said. “I thought he was fine but it wasn’t something you’d say, ‘Yeah he’s a great protector.’ He’s working really hard. Is he there yet? No. But he’ll get there. If he keeps doing what he’s doing, he’ll get there by the season. And we need him to.”

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Rutgers football: Ja'shon Benjamin taking steps to become complete RB