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Issue date: 9/24/07 Section: Sports

Eric Benson (tsutigers.com)

Eric Benson, a 5'10 kicker from Rowlett, Texas, has played a major role in two game winning kicks for the Tigers this season.

Holding this position for the past three years, Benson, a junior mass communications major, chose to attend TSU because of the opportunity to contribute right away, the coaching staff, administration and the location of the university.

"Confidence is his greatest development," said Head Coach James Webster. "When we needed him to kick the field goal against both Jackson State and Austin Peay, he came through under pressure and responded positively."

Benson has led TSU in scoring as a freshman with 30 points and finished second in scoring as a sophomore last season with 53 points. He was recently named OVC Player of the Week for his effort in the Tigers 33-32 win against Austin Peay, along with teammate Shaun Richardson.

"I will continue to have Benson make the pressure because he is a hard worker," Webster said. "Hopefully we won't have to be in that type of situation, but overall, I am very happy that he is experiencing this success."

Benson graduated from Rowlett High School where he began playing football as kicker his freshman year.

"My older brother played the position of kicker in high school," Benson said. "Watching him play football influenced me to want to follow his path and do the same.

While in high school, Benson was named two-time All District performer where he converted 18 of 25 field goals in his final two seasons and had a long of 47 yards. He also had a net punting average of 38 yards and was named Special Team Player of the Year and Special Teams Player of the Week 11 times in two seasons.

"My father has always supported me in everything I do," said Benson. "He always pushes me to work harder and to be my best at all times."

Not only has Benson been successful on the field, but also in the classroom.

Maintaining a 3.7 grade point average and being on the Dean's List since his freshman year at TSU, Benson went on to say that being a student athlete isn't easy at times.

"Sometimes it gets hard," he said. "It's up to you if your willing to work harder for what you want or make out of it."

After graduation, Benson plans to have a career working at a radio station, with the news or producing music.

"When I graduate from TSU, I would like for people to remember me for many different things, but more importantly, I would like to be remembered as someone who did their best, was very reliable, did their job, and gave it all they had to help the team win," Benson said.•

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