Benger has been selected as a finalist for the Campbell Trophy, recognizing him as an outstanding scholar-athlete.
Carnegie Mellon University senior running back Sam Benger has been named one of the 13 national finalists for the 2017 William V. Campbell Trophy by the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame. This prestigious award recognizes the top scholar-athlete in collegiate football across the United States. Benger stands out as the sole finalist from an NCAA Division III institution and one of just two finalists from a non-NCAA Division I school.
Benger, a business administration major in the Tepper School of Business, boasts an impressive 3.67 grade point average. He holds the title of the Tartan’s all-time leading rusher, having accumulated 5,197 yards in 41 career games. Standing at 5’8″ and weighing 185 pounds, the senior has rushed for 58 touchdowns and has scored six receiving touchdowns, totaling 64 touchdowns in his career. He is on the verge of becoming the school’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns, needing just one more to achieve this milestone. Notably, Benger set CMU’s single-season school record with 26 rushing touchdowns last season.
Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Benger stated, “I am honored and humbled to be recognized. I am truly fortunate because my teammates, coaches, trainers, and family have put me in a position to be successful.” He was selected from a pool of 181 semifinalists from all NCAA divisions and NAIA schools, emphasizing the depth of talent and dedication among student-athletes across the nation.
Each of the 13 finalists, including Benger, will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as part of the NFF’s class of scholar-athletes. The class will convene in New York City for the 60th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 5, where Fidelity Investments will present one finalist with the 28th William V. Campbell Trophy. The winner’s postgraduate scholarship will be increased to $25,000. The event will be live-streamed on ESPN3, commencing at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Head Coach Rich Lackner praised Benger, stating, “Sam is the most talented football player I have had the honor to coach in my 32 years at the helm of the Carnegie Mellon football program.” He highlighted not only Benger’s outstanding athletic achievements but also his exceptional character, work ethic, and commitment to serving the community.
Benger’s remarkable performance extends beyond the football field; he leads the team in rushing and ranks first in the University Athletic Association (UAA) and fifth in the Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) with 864 yards on 140 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He has recorded two 200-yard rushing games this season and boasts eight such games throughout his career.
Throughout his sophomore and junior seasons, Benger surpassed 1,000 yards rushing, showcasing his consistency and talent. Last season, he ran for 1,671 yards and led the nation with 2,092 yards in 2015, averaging an impressive 190.2 yards per game. Benger became the 21st player in Division III history to reach the 2,000-yard mark, setting the school’s single-season record in the process.
Benger has also received numerous All-America and Academic All-America honors and has been named the PAC Offensive Player of the Year twice. He is actively involved in community service, volunteering for Pittsburgh’s Children’s Hospital and mentoring young individuals battling illness. Despite his own struggles with diabetes, Benger remains dedicated to assisting fellow diabetics in managing their condition. He has also volunteered for the Special Olympics games at Carnegie Mellon and participated in the 1,000plus Service Day initiative, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the field.
