Arizona State RB Eno Benjamin declares early despite dip in production

When the 2019 season started, Arizona State running back Eno Benjamin could find his name listed among the top players at his position, with many publications projecting the junior as a probable Round 2 player.

All Benjamin did was rack up 1,083 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns while catching 42 passes for 347 yards and two more TDs. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the 5-foot-10, 210-pound junior also served as a team captain and graduated in three years.

So, where does Benjamin rank now among RB prospects?

Not very high.

Benjamin recently announced his intentions to enter the 2020 NFL draft.

Eno Benjamin is

🔱 Words & Actions
📚 Scholar Baller
🙌 Captain
🎓 Graduated in 3 years pic.twitter.com/aw5ENE8P9n

— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) December 11, 2019

Part of the problem is that Benjamin’s 2019 season pales in comparison to his 2018 campaign, in which he ran for a school-record 1,642 yards, including a single-game record of 312 yards against Oregon State. Overall, Benjamin finishes his Arizona State career with 2,867 yards rushing and 27 TDs. He also had 625 yards receiving and 4 TDs.

AZCentral recently published a feature on Benjamin that included different draft experts’ opinions on his potential draft future. Most experts tabbed him as a mid-round prospect, although a few still believe Benjamin could hear his name called on Day 2.

From CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, via AZCentral:

“There is a lot to like about Benjamin. He cuts explosively and provides great moments of athletic ability. … It is not all sunshine and rainbows though. The Texas native has fumbled five times in the past five games. NFL coaches are not going to tolerate that lack of ball security.”

Benjamin recently accepted a Senior Bowl invite. He’s eligible to participate because he already graduated.

Thank you, Eno! pic.twitter.com/5owj6Ftsb5

— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) December 11, 2019