There’s another new running back in town that can bring fans out of their seats. His name is Duane Bennett, a true freshman from the St. Louis area who is likely to receive his first career start Saturday night against Ohio State at the Metrodome.
Bennett and senior Amir Pinnix are both listed as possible starters but coach Tim Brewster said yesterday that Pinnix has been bothered by a turf toe injury. Bennett has impressed as a reserve, gaining 122 yards on 13 carries for a 9.4 average. In last Saturday’s loss to Purdue he had seven carries for 81 yards (including a 44-yard run) and scored his first college touchdown.
Bennett, 5-9, 195, is a darting type of runner who is a potential touchdown producer on many plays. In high school as a senior he rushed for 1,362 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Bennett was asked about famous runners he’s followed. “I admire a lot of running backs for what they bring to the table but most notably the guy I always watched (was) Barry Sanders because he didn’t have anything wrong with his ability, but …people questioned his height and his size. … He was a smaller back among the big backs when he was coming out of high school so I really admire what he did.”
Bennett’s been impressing Gopher insiders since practice began in August, showing exceptional vision and cutback ability. He said his best time in the 40-yard dash is 4.44.
A humble 18-year-old, Bennett wasn’t bothered by ESPN.com rating him the 135th best prep running back in the nation. He considered the ranking an “honor” and said some schools preferred that he play safety in college. Minnesota, Missouri and Kansas were among those interested in him as a running back.
Bennett thinks his pass blocking now is “subpar or all right,” but he showed courage Saturday night against Purdue. He flipped a Purdue rusher up in the air and in the process took a knee to the head. He blacked out but later was okayed to return to the game.
Bennett said the Gopher coaches liked his effort on the play but the incident concerned family watching on TV. “I got a lot of phone calls,” he said.
Bennett knows ball security will be a requirement for playing time. Earlier this week on WCCO radio Brewster said “guys who are not secure with the football will not play.”
Bennett is confident he can make big runs for the Gophers, perhaps similar to what Laurence Maroney did before becoming a No. 1 draft choice by New England in 2006. Like Maroney, Bennett is from the St. Louis area and wears No. 22. Bennett said he wanted the number because he had worn No. 22 prior to coming to Minnesota.