Saguaro’s Israel Benjamin Goes In-Depth on Harvard Pledge

The main number Saguaro running back Israel Benjamin is concerned about is 4.79.

No, it’s not his 40-time. It’s his GPA. 

The Sabercat has made an impact on the field and in the classroom, and made his commitment to Harvard on Tuesday.

Benjamin was limited to just 11 carries in 2019 due to injury, but he was the featured back in the potent Saguaro offense in 2018. He tallied 1,675 yards and 27 scores while averaging nearly a first down a carry.

Having to step away from the field he had so much success on gave him a newfound perspective moving forward.

“I’ll make the most of my opportunities and not take anything for granted because, as I knew this year, I missed really the whole (season),” Benjamin said. “Now I know every play could be my last one, so just making sure I compete and do my best every play and give full effort.”

The school-focused back was very familiar with Harvard’s academic offerings; his brother currently attends the Ivy League institution, and he’s excited to continue his playing career with aspirations to shape the game as a NFL general manager.

Benjamin joins Notre Dame Prep linebacker Brock Locnikar as Arizona playmakers who will head to Harvard this season. The two became close as multiple Ivy League schools recruited them and they visited Yale together.

Whether it’s on the field or in a front office, Benjamin starts his next chapter looking to continue to make an impact in the game he loves.