Chances running out for Auburn's Benton

AUBURN - It’s DeAngelo Benton’s time. He’s either going to seize it, or let it pass him by.

Benton, a 6-2, 203-pound junior wide receiver for Auburn, has traveled a long road to have a chance to play a meaningful role for the Tigers.

“You really can't help us if you're on the sideline watching,” said Auburn wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor. “God has blessed DeAngelo with a lot of ability. He gives him the tools. Now it's up to him to go out there and use it. If anybody's time is due, it's definitely his.”

Benton is 23 years old. He’ll turn 24 in November. He knows it’s pretty much now or never.

“There's a lot of pressure,” he said. “It's not really pressure. It's just motivation for me to work hard every day knowing a position is open - somebody is going to get the chance to play week in and week out.”

Thus far in his career, Benton has played in 21 games in a reserve role over the last two seasons, with seven receptions for 103 yards.

This, from a 6-2, 203-pound receiver who was one of the most highly-touted recruits in the nation coming out of Bastrop, La., High School in 2006.

He was selected as a high school All-American by both Parade Magazine and Super Prep and ranked as the seventh best receiver in the nation by Rivals.com.
After a celebrated recruiting battle between LSU and Auburn, Benton committed to Auburn but failed to qualify academically and went to a prep school in 2007.

Since coming to Auburn, he has battled hand, wrist and finger injuries – and himself.

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