Benjamin brings in NCAC Athlete of the Week award

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) unveiled its weekly Athlete of the Week awards on Monday, and the league bestowed its football offensive honors to Kenyon’s Jordon Benjamin for his efforts on the gridiron.

Benjamin played a big role in the Owls’ first victory this season, a 40-16 win over Hiram College on Homecoming Weekend. The running back set career-highs on the ground with 23 carries, 152 yards, and two touchdowns, combining with running mate Nolan Dirks (88 yards, two touchdowns) to give the Owls a 253-116 edge in the rushing game. 

The game was the first multi-touchdown performance of Benjamin’s career, and he eclipsed the 100-rushing-yard mark for the second straight week. The Montreal, Quebec native put the Owls on the board early with an 18-yard score in the first quarter, and he put the exclamation mark on a 16-0 Kenyon third frame with a 25-yard touchdown run.

After the big outing, the sophomore ranks third in the NCAC in rushing and is tied for third in rushing touchdowns for the NCAC’s third-best rushing offense. Additionally, Benjamin’s 152 rushing yards are the most for a Kenyon player since Brandon January posted a matching mark in 2014.

Up next, Benjamin and the Owls travel to Delaware, Ohio, for a conference clash against Ohio Wesleyan University at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 7.