STRENGTHS

Motor/Intensity: Aaron Benson is the type of kid coaches like to use as the example for what it means to not loaf. On film, Benson seems to always show up in the frame whether the play is to him or away from him. Benson is non-stop and plays at one speed all game long. When a player plays with such intensity, he creates luck; fumble recoveries, strips, etc... Benson creates luck.

Instincts: Benson does well on the move. He has a knack for finding the ball without getting out of position or getting trapped. He is also good against the pass. He takes away throwing lanes while baiting QBs to throw underneath where he can jump the route. His baiting doesn't slow him down nor does it get him out flanked in his zone.

Attacks Blockers/Hand Usage: Is fundamental in block protection. He uses his hands when striking, then gets rid of the blocker. He is able to play football because he does not stay blocked for too long.

Tackling: Is a physical thumping type of tackler that likes to go mask on mask with the ball carrier. Outside of head on collisions, he wraps up and secures tackles. He is adequate in space but will need to work on his pad level or else he will become a liability against spread offenses once he gets to college.

WEAKNESSES

Pad Level: Plays with high pad level. In the day and age of the spread offense, his body positioning can put him at the mercy of scat backs in the open field. In order to transition, break, or make any other non-linear movement, a player has to have good pad level. It is not a major issue at this point but, he isn't facing a major college offensive game plan either.

OVERALL

Benson is a high motor football player that plays good inside and outside the box and is just as good against the pass as he is the run. He is effective because he gets off blocks and is always around the football. He creates luck [picking up fumbles, getting late strips, tipped passes falling into his hands, forcing interceptions because he got his hands on the ball, etc..]. These are traits found in players that play hard.

STATS

2007 (So.) - Benson played MLB for the Cedar Hill Longhorns.

2008 (Jr.) - As a junior, Benson (who moved to OLB) tallied 132 tackles; eight sacks, three interceptions and one fumble recovery returned 18 yards for a touchdown, while making first team all-district.