PHX Reporter

Often when a player passes by Jonathan Gannon during practice, the Cardinals coach will pull them aside to break down what they may have seen on the field.

In Trey Benson's case, it's the complete opposite.

"I try to joke around with him at times and he doesn't. It kind of pisses me off at times," Gannon said with a grin. "But he's committed to doing everything he can."

After Friday's practice, the running back stood in front of the media with a smile on his face, recalling a similar moment on the field.

"That's just me being locked in," Benson said. "I'm going to put a smile on my face the next time he jokes."

The serious manner in which he approaches the game was an attractive feature in Gannon's eyes during the draft process. But the camaraderie within their position group has allowed Benson to balance the task at hand with living in the moment.

It also helps that Cardinals starting running back James Conner is similar to Benson. He has no problems bulldozing a defender to pick up an extra yard, takes the game seriously, but isn't shy about flashing a smile every now and then.

Since he was drafted in April, Conner and Benson have spent much time together, on and off campus.

"He's been in the league a long time and I want to follow in his footsteps," Benson said. "I look up to him. Everything he tells me, I write it down in my notepad."

Conner's ability to remain at the top of his game entering his eighth season is one of many traits Benson admires about his teammate.

Benson's presence allows for substituting between them without any drop-off in performance. While Conner still wants to remain as RB1, building off his first career 1,000-plus yard season, having Benson available will only benefit the team.

It'll likely provide some smiles along the way too.

"There's strength in numbers," Conner said. "It's still my job to help all the other backs, just like they help me and bring them along."