NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Venique Benton, WR, Southwestern Assemblies of God

NFL Draft Diamonds and our staff have been bringing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 2 years and this year we mixed up the questions and added some fun questions for our readers. We have tons of NFL staff that read our interviews, and we actually received several of the questions from NFL scouts we speak too. This gives them a little bit more information regarding your character. We hope to bring you more than 300 interviews of NFL Draft Prospects this season. You will be able to track them all on the front page of our website in the banner.

What is your name?

Venique Benton

What is your Height/Weight?

5’9, 195

What is your position?

Wide Receiver/ Return Man

Where do you play college football?

Southwestern Assemblies of God

Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field?

Help people at the Phoenix Dream Center in Phoenix, Arizona! 

What was the hardest college class you ever had to take?

Strategy and Policy in Business. 

Where are you from?

Waxahachie, Tx

Who is your role model, and why?

My role model is my dad! We’ve struggled a lot. I’ve seen this man sacrifice so much for my family just so that we can have a better life than he had! He’s taught me how to be a man and that’s why I am who I am today! Oh yea he’s also been my coach outside of school sports ! 

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played basketball, and I also ran track.

Did you play any other positions in football?

I played quarterback my whole life until I got to college. 

At your position, what separates you from others?

I’m a playmaker! Anytime I touch the ball I’m not thinking about just getting a couple of yards. I’m trying to get a touchdown every time that’s the only thing on my mind! My passion for this can’t be explained I live for this! 

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

I look at how a defender plays a small receiver compared to a big one. I also look at the tendencies of a defense, how the corner is standing, what the safety is doing, are the linebackers blitzing or not, those are a couple of examples. 

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

His name is Shakeem Taylor, he was my teammate. We went at it, everyday it was a dog fight! We made each other better and he shut down every team that we played best receiver!  

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

Steve Smith! I play with so much passion no matter how small I am, I will always play bigger! I have heart and feel like nobody can stop me! I may not be the strongest, or fastest, or even quickest, but you better believe when I touch it I’m going to try and make a big play!

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

Having to switch colleges. I was young and dumb and didn’t take care of business when I attended Abilene Christian University. I was devastated when this happened I didn’t know what I was going to do. I had to humble myself and look for another school to play at because I didn’t want to end up doing something I wasn’t suppose to. It’s kind of easy to get trapped in the town in from! 

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I watch film, go watch Steve Smith and Taylor Gabriel’s highlights, listen to my music, and then pray! 

As a small school football player what obstacles do you feel you have to overcome?

I think I’ll have to overcome the different level of speed! It was fast on this level to certain extent, but on the next level I know it’s going to be a lot faster. I’m ready for it though!

What is your biggest strength?

If you throw it in my area that ball is mine I don’t care who’s guarding me. I know the game.

What is your biggest weakness?

Getting upset at myself. 

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

With me you’re going to get a steal I promise. No matter what I’m going to give it my all! 

Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up?

My favorite player was Steve Smith! 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

My aunt Ethal she was an amazing person I hate that she didn’t get to see me go to college, Steve Smith, and Jay Z 

What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?

My grandma Shirley a house, and my Grandma Dorothy a hummer I’ve told them I would do that since I was in 5th grade. I hope I can make it happen

Rapid Answers:

• Tupac or Biggie? 
• NFL Network or ESPN?
• Coke or Pepsi?
• Pizza or Burgers?
• Dogs or Cats?