Rayshaun Benny Interview: Hard Work & Dedication

Michigan defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny is one of the experienced leaders in the Wolverines' locker room. A Michigan Man to his core, the Detroit native has consistently taken sizable steps forward in his development every single season. A National Championship winner and established voice, Benny has been a core piece throughout the program's success.

Benny recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Benny discussed representing his hometown program, taking on a vocal leadership role, pass-rushing production, and more.

JM: You're in your fifth season at Michigan, your senior season. You've gotten better every year. It’s clear as day on tape. What do you think has led to your consistent improvement?

Rayshaun Benny: My hard work and dedication. I approach every single day with a willingness to get better. I had to find that commitment to greatness within myself. I couldn’t count on somebody else to do that for me. I had to “want to” get better.

JM: It's been quite the journey. One of the memories you'll never forget is winning the National Championship. What will forever be the biggest takeaway from that team?

Rayshaun Benny: Shoot, I’ll never forget that we won it all! We had a lot of difficulties and adversity that season. We lost coach Harbaugh before a rivalry game against Penn State. The allegations and scandals they tried to put on us, we never let it distract us from our goal.

They tried to discredit our National Championship-winning season. We had to come together as a team and fight through a lot. We still won a National Championship despite it feeling like the whole world was against us.

JM: You're one of the veterans now. I imagine you've taken on a bigger, more vocal role in the room. How have you gone about that?

Rayshaun Benny: I’ve tried to stay consistent in my approach. I get along with everybody in this locker room. I can talk to anybody here. It’s been a natural approach. I always want the young guys to feel like they can talk to me. I’m never too big or important to do that.

I’m always willing to put myself out there.

JM: You were born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. You're a Michigan Man through and through. What does it mean to represent this great program?

Rayshaun Benny: It means a lot to me. That was always my thought process throughout my recruitment. I chose to attend Michigan knowing I’d be a hometown guy. Being here has opened up opportunities for myself.

JM: That’s incredible. You’ve had so many amazing teammates. If you were going to war tomorrow and could only bring one with you, who would you bring and why?

Rayshaun Benny: Wow, that’s a difficult question. I can’t pick just one. If I can only pick one, I'd rather go by myself (laughs). I want to bring all my brothers with me. I’d say Rod [Moore] and everybody in this locker room this year. I’m rocking with all of my guys this year. I wouldn’t choose anybody else. 

JM: You consistently do the dirty work around the line of scrimmage. It's very selfless of you. You take up blocks and create opportunities for your teammates. It doesn't always pop up on the stat sheet. What do you enjoy about doing that?

Rayshaun Benny: You can definitely get a little frustrated knowing it’s not showing up on the stat sheet. I don’t get all of the sacks due to the double teams. I love knowing that I’m helping my linebackers get free and make plays.

They have to double-team me. I know they can’t handle what I’m bringing; the offensive line can’t handle me in 1-v-1 situations. They would rather double-team me and leave one of our linebackers free. It’s pretty much a compliment.

JM: There’s no doubt it’s a compliment. Do you hope to show NFL scouts that there's more pass-rushing upside to your game?

Rayshaun Benny: I feel like I’ve shown it this year. I’ve been in the backfield a lot. I’d love to keep getting more opportunities, though. I feel like I’ve put a lot of good stuff on tape this year. 

Whether the stats show it or not, I’ve been in the backfield a bunch this season. I’m getting off the ball. It’s been a team effort. Sometimes, somebody gets home before I do, but I’ve been in the backfield. I’m displaying well on tape.

JM: We've appreciated your time today. This conversation has highlighted why Rayshaun Benny is special. In closing, what are your goals for the remainder of the season?

Rayshaun Benny: We want to win another National Championship. All of the goals we set for ourselves at the beginning of this season are still in front of us. We’re going to keep the main thing the main thing.