The San Francisco 49ers announced on April 3 that they signed wide receiver Travis Benjamin to a one-year deal. Benjamin was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Throughout his eight NFL seasons with the Browns and Los Angeles Chargers, Benjamin appeared in 101 games and registered 208 receptions for 3,143 yards and 19 touchdowns. He has also returned 109 punts for 1,189 yards and four touchdowns on special teams. Keep reading to learn more about San Francisco's newest receiver.
High School Standout
Benjamin attended Glades Central High School in Belle Glade, Florida. On the football team, Benjamin played on the state championship team as a junior. As a senior, the wideout recorded eight receiving touchdowns and was the 21st-ranked wide receiver by ESPN and 144th-overall player in the Class of 2008. During the 2008 Muck Bowl, Benjamin was covered by future Pro Bowler Janoris Jenkins and recorded a touchdown reception.
Miami Hurricane
Benjamin attended the University of Miami where he appeared in 49 games and registered 131 receptions for 2,146 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a senior in 2011, the wideout finished with 41 catches for 609 yards and three touchdowns.
Track Star
In addition to playing football in high school, Benjamin ran track. He placed fourth in both the 100 meters and long jump at the 2A state meet in 2008 and led his team to a 2A state runner-up finish his junior year.
At the University of Miami, Benjamin placed fourth in the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships in the 60 meters. Benjamin also earned All-ACC honors with the team's outdoor track and field team, placing third in the 100 meters at the ACC Championships, and advanced to the NCAA semifinals in the 4x100, setting a school record.
A Need for Speed
Benjamin was one of 47 collegiate wide receivers to attend the Combine in 2012. He tied Stanford's Chris Owusu and Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill for the best 40-yard dash time among all wide receivers at the combine with a 4.36 second time.
Player of the Week
Benjamin has been awarded the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week four times following his performances as a returner in 2017 (Week 7), 2015 (Week 2), 2013 (Week 5) and 2012 (Week 14). Over his career, Benjamin has proven himself as a special teams player, returning four punts for touchdowns.
