Trey Benson ‘blessed’ to break rock following fall camp

Florida State running back Trey Benson got to break the rock, which signifies the end of fall camp for the Seminoles. It’s a great honor for a single football player on the team, signaling a great camp for that individual.

The running back was this year’s honoree, according to head coach Mike Norvell. He said it “could’ve went to a lot of people, but Trey has been really good this fall camp.”

In fact, Benson was quite surprised at the honor.

“It felt great,” Benson said. “It was unexpected. I was just playing with my shoulder pads and I just heard my name being called and I’m like ‘woah it’s me?’ But it was great. I’m blessed to be able to break the rock after fall camp and I’m ready to go with the guys.”

Benson finally got to showcase what he could do last season. Initially, Benson committed and played for Oregon in 2020 but did not play that season and only received six carries during the 2021 campaign, converting one for a touchdown.

In 2022, it was different. Benson finished with 154 carries, 990 yards, nine touchdowns, 6.4 yards per carry and had 13 catches for 144 yards. It was quite the debut year at Florida State.

As a member of the Class of 2020, Benson was a four-star recruit out of Greenville (Miss.) St. Joseph, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 7 overall prospect in the state, the No. 35 running back in the class and the No. 368 overall prospect in the class.

Benson looks like he could make a huge impact for Florida State in 2023, especially if he takes a step forward like Norvell expects him to.

“For some people who don’t know Trey’s story, when he came to Florida State, he was coming off a devastating injury,” Norvell said. “We had to bring him along and help him build confidence in himself, you know, just coming off that injury. 

“You look back last year, close to a 1,000 yard rusher. You know all the things –now, this year is taking the next step because it’s not just that he can play football, it’s continuing to elevate himself to, I believe, being one of the best running backs in the country.”

Benson and Florida State open the season Sunday, September 3 in Orlando when the Seminoles take on LSU.