Florida State Star Running Back Declares for 2024 NFL Draft, Opts Out of Orange Bowl

The Seminoles will be without their leading rusher against the Georgia Bulldogs.

Florida State's star running back, Trey Benson, is taking his leap to the NFL after another successful season with the Seminoles. With this, he's opting out of the Orange Bowl to avoid any injury risk and further prepare for the draft process.

After having a breakout season in 2022 with the Seminoles, the expectation coming into this season is that Benson was an eventual NFL back. He was highly regarded in mock drafts and earned plenty of draft buzz before the season kicked off.

"Nole Nation, I cannot begin to express how valuable my two years here have been, especially the relationships I've made with teammates, coaches, athletic training, academic staff and the whole FSU family."

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"When I committed to Florida State I had no idea the type of growth and development I would experience as a man and a football player. I appreciate the FSU family for welcoming a kid from Mississippi with open arms."

"I'm thankful for my family and the support everyone has given me and for the man upstairs for putting me in this position. I have decided to enter the 2024 NFL Draft and will not play in the Orange Bowl."

"I will forever carry FSU with me wherever I go. Thank you again to Florida State and to the incredible fans I love you guys so much!"

Experience of a lifetime, thank you Florida State ❤️ #NoleFamily pic.twitter.com/pmkbAr293I

— Trey Benson (@trey_uno1) December 17, 2023

Transferring from Oregon ahead of the 2022 season, he toted 990 rushing yards in his first season in Tallahassee and rushed for a total of 1,895 yards in his two seasons with the Seminoles.

Scoring 14 touchdowns on the ground this season, Benson totaled 23 rushing touchdowns while in Tallahassee.

It's not just the counting stats that make Benson such an intriguing prospect. His combination of size, speed and overall force makes him a solid running back to take a shot on in the draft. 

Benson doesn't just impact the game on the ground, either. He caught 20 passes for 227 receiving yards this season while showing his ability to make big plays after the catch, taking advantage of the space given.

While the Seminoles didn't play one running back exclusively, Benson got the bulk of the carries as the starter, averaging 5.8 yards per carry on the season. With his size and speed, it'll be interesting to see how high Benson is able to climb draft boards before eventually being taken by an NFL team. 

After such an incredible breakout season in 2022, some might have expected more statistical contribution from Benson, though he did enough to help the Seminoles to a 13-0 record as ACC Champions. He finished his Seminoles career with a record of 23-3 over his two seasons. 

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