Steelers rookie Keeanu Benton is following Cameron Heyward's example
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie defensive lineman Keeanu Benton is receiving some invaluable mentorship from Pittsburgh’s most-seasoned veteran in Cameron Heyward.
Benton, the Steelers’ second-round pick in April’s NFL Draft out of Wisconsin, told reporters Sunday he got some extra conditioning work in with Heyward this offseason, learning what it takes to be a professional from one of the best.
“I just followed him around for the offseason, worked out with him for a couple of weeks, making sure I’m ready for coming out here and it paid off,” Benton said, via the team’s website. “I’m physically ready conditioning wise. Coach [Mike] Tomlin said physical conditioning precedes everything else. That was a plus getting to work with Cam and coming out here and having the extra energy to take those extra reps.”
Benton added it’s easy to see why Heyward, going into his 13th season, is still viewed as one of the elite players at his position.
“It’s great to get to learn from a guy like him who has been around for so long,” Benton said. “He is pushing every day. He has been here so long, and he is working out like he is a rookie. Grinding his tail off. That gains extra respect from the young guys.”
Keeanu Benton entering NFL alongside Wisconsin teammate
Benton, meanwhile, comes into the league after four productive seasons at Wisconsin. He recorded 44 solo tackles (19.0 for loss), with 9.0 sacks and two forced fumbles in 39 games. Benton became the first of two Badgers to get drafted by Pittsburgh as in the fourth-round, the Steelers snagged linebacker Nick Herbig. Benton said that he and Herbig “manifested” being on the same team together in the NFL.
“We manifested this,” Benton said. “Me and Nick trained together for the combine. Nate was there as well. We all talked about what if we end up on the same team. [Nate] knew he wasn’t going to be with the Jets anymore. We always talked about it. Then draft day I get drafted there after [Nate] signed, Nick got drafted there the next day. It was surreal at the moment.
“[Nate] is a guy who I asked to watch my film in college to see what I can do better. He knows most of my moves. It’s still good to go against somebody who knows what you can do and can’t stop it at times.”