NFL Draft

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Bene Benwikere, DB, San Jose State University

beneDraft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Bene Benwikere, DB, San Jose State University

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school? 

The entire WAC Conference 

Where did you choose and why?

I chose San Jose State University because I felt a strong connection with a lot of the Veteran players and an even stronger connection to the other players in my signing class that also chose San Jose.

What were your goals for your senior year?

To make another bowl game, To at least tie my schools interception career number (ultimately wanted to beat it), and enjoy my last year with my teammates that I’ve matured with.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?

A lot of teams have approached me discussing my abilities to play in the NFL and how well will my college play transfer to the NFL. Also, what will i do to become a better player.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

Realized that I have more than average ball skills and ability to locate the ball in air than a good amount of others that play my position.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film? 

First and foremost, I look for team tendencies. What concepts does a team like to run and in what situations do they like to run those concepts. After I get a general idea of what is coming I look for the quarterbacks favorite target and his progression he takes to complete his passes. Lastly, after I find the QB’s favorite target or the person I will be covering I begin to break down how a receiver runs his routes according to the situation and yardage needed for him to make the key play. 

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced? 

Not a receiver that I had to cover, but I think Trent Richardson was one of the toughest players I played against because he never quit churning his legs looking for extra yardage no matter how hard anyone hit him.

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

Ed Reed, in the sense of his big play making ability. He has made many big plays in his career coming up with big interceptions and just having a knack for finding the ball.

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

Taking my statistics course twice and I had to stay with my tutor for longer than an hour and beg my teacher to stay in her office hours longer for me to understand the material.

What system fits your style of play the best? 

I believe I could adapt to any system a team needs me to. I am very flexible and willing to learn and always want to improve areas of my game.

What is your biggest strength? 

Ball Skills and making plays on the ball

 

 

What is your biggest weakness? 

In this past year, have not been a solid tackler I was more looking for big hits instead of making the solid fundamental tackle even though I know how to.

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

You want turnovers I’ll give you turnovers.

Growing up, who was your role model? 

My entire family, but ultimately my dad because he has taught me so much about being a man and how to set myself to take care of my family that I one day will have.

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

I actually don’t have a favorite team and never have. I have always liked teams and players that just know how to play football and get the job done at their respective position.

What was the most tragic event that ever happened in your life and how did you overcome it? 

When I was very young my aunt passed away and it had a huge impact on my family and the depression I could feel from everyone so close to me made me want to cheer them up and give them something to be happy about.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be? 
Nelson Mandela, my uncle Ken Tsaro-wiwa, and Deion Sanders
With your first paycheck what would you buy? 
My mother and grandmother new phones and put them on my plan so they have no excuses to not answer the phone. Mainly my mother.

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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