FSU football: Expect Trey Benson to have a remarkable 2023 season

FSU football fans were visibly upset on social media that offseason when Florida State acquired redshirt sophomore running back transfer Trey Benson from the Oregon Ducks.

Benson did not have much collegiate experience during his time with the Ducks. During the 2021 season, he only recorded six carries for 22 yards and one touchdown. Plus, he was coming off a major right knee in December 2020, where he tore his ACL, MCL, medial and lateral meniscus, and hamstring.

FSU fans were fresh off a 5-7 season in 2021, where the Seminoles acquired UCF redshirt senior quarterback transfer McKenzie Milton, who had his health issues, in the offseason to compete with redshirt sophomore Jordan Travis. Unfortunately, Milton only completed 81 of his 139 passes (58.3%) for 775 yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions during his only season with the Seminoles.

Fast forward to the Benson acquisition, Florida State had to replace the production of veteran Jashaun Corbin (who had 887 yards and seven touchdowns in 2021). However, they returned two capable rushers in Treshaun Ward (515 yards and four touchdowns) and Lawrance Toafili (163 yards and one touchdown).

Some fans thought Ward, Toafili, and even quarterback Jordan Travis (530 yards and seven touchdowns) should shoulder the load left by Corbin.

The coaching staff knew what it was getting in Benson. He was a 6’1″, 215-pound back who was elusive and presented a difficult challenge for opposing defenders to bring down. FSU believed in his ability as a running back if he could get over the mental hurdle of playing after the severe injury.

Coming from Greenville (MS), the talented back idolized former FSU football running back Cam Akers, originally from Clinton, Mississippi. Akers was the last rusher for the Seminoles to achieve 1,000+ yards in a season when he recorded 1,144 yards in 2019.

Unfortunately, Benson missed joining Akers in becoming the 1,000+ yard rusher at FSU as he recorded 154 carries for 990 yards and nine touchdowns last season. While he did not eclipse the milestone, he is on a mission to do even better during the 2023 season. One aspect not discussed enough is the firepower added to the receiver unit, making life easier for Trey Benson.

The Seminoles’ offensive identity is running the football to set up its explosive passing attack. This season will be no different, as quarterback Jordan Travis will have more offensive weapons at his disposal.

The vertical passing game with Travis will be able to set up more running lanes for Benson and keep opposing defenses honest. Whichever way you want to spin it, this FSU offense will be lethal.