Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson takes his job seriously, which is very similar to fellow rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.
It turns out Benson and Harrison have developed a relationship off the field that Benson talked about Monday following his improved play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Colts.
First, when asked about the team’s draft class, Benson mentioned tight end Tip Reiman “blocking his (expletive) off” in Indianapolis.
Then, when asked who he’s closest with, Benson didn’t hesitate before saying, “Marv; Marvin for sure. The five weeks that we had off (after minicamp), we spent most of our time together. Me and him spent probably the whole time off together.”
It didn’t take Benson long to see what was special about Harrison off the field after all the rookies arrived in Arizona following the draft.
“When I first got here with him, he was just all about work,” Benson said. “I’m all about work, too, so I was like, ‘I’m going to be around him a little bit more.’ Once minicamp was over, we put in overtime and went to L.A. We even put in overtime in here. We used to get here at 7 a.m. — I came a little late sometimes (at 7:15) and he would get on me. He pushed me to a level I never thought I had.
“He’s a different dude. He’s about his business. And that’s how I want to be. You got to be around people that are about their business because you’ll adapt to that and you’ll be about your business, too.”
One thing Benson quickly noticed is how Harrison “takes care of his body. Even when he’s not hurt, hamstring work, whatever, he’s always doing this type of work, being a pro even though he just came to the league. And even teaching me about being a pro.”
Benson said with Harrison’s approach, “He’s quieter than everybody, but he kinda opened up to me and talked to me a little more. He’s funny though; got a sense of humor. That’s my guy and I’m gonna continue to grow that relationship with him.”
Early in training camp, head coach Jonathan Gannon noted how serious Benson is and when the running back was asked about the similarities in the two players, he said, “We joke sometimes and we have a little fun, but when it’s time to get to work, we get to work and be serious.”
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