Malik Benson on Facing Oregon State: "This means a lot to everyone"

Malik Benson is Oregon’s leading wide receiver (11 catches, 161 yards, 2 TD) through three games and he’ll get his first taste of the Oregon/Oregon State rivalry this weekend when the Beavers come to Eugene.

He met with reporters following Wednesday’s practice and you’ll the full video of his press conference and top quotes below.

On what he’s learned about this rivalry from his teammates

Benson: “One thing I just took away from this rivalry for them, it just this means a lot to them. Guys like me that are not from here, just gotta embrace that and be there for my teammates this week.”

On his journey through JUCO to Oregon

Benson: “In high school, I didn’t really take classes seriously. So I had to go to junior colleges because of grades and things like that. But promised my mother, having to go Junior College I would work on doing my school because I knew my talent could take me somewhere. Coming out of JUCO, went to the University of Alabama with Nick Saban. He ended up retiring and things like that. So I just felt like it was best to move on from that program. And then last year at Florida State I thought that would have been my last year of eligibility. And then after the season, I got a call basically saying that my two years of eligibility could possibly be granted back to me, just because of the JUCO rule. So just knowing my relationship with Coach Lanning and just the staff, I feel like this was the best opportunity for me.”

On how he’s embracing the rivalry

Benson: “Just one thing with games like this, you can’t be too high, too low, it’s a rivalry game so records really don’t matter. I’ve been in college football and played in some really good rivalries. So records coming in really don’t matter. But just knowing that this means a lot to the people of this state. This means a lot to everyone that’s poured into this organization. So just knowing there’s a target on this game, things like that. So just telling my teammates that this is really bigger than us, but also telling that this is just another opponent on the schedule, don’t get too high, get too low on it.”

On reasons he’s found success this season

Benson: “First, I would say my lord and savior Jesus Christ. Honestly getting into the word and knowing that my confidence comes through, and knowing that no matter, judged by whoever, highs and lows just always turn to Him and he’s really all that matters. bBut also having, just the staff and teammates that I have that pick me up knowing I came from a 2-10 team. It was kind of a hard transition, just because a year that confidence gets low and things like that. But just being here, I just had to lean on my teammates and the Lord.”

On what the first few weeks have looked like for him

Benson: “Really just a blessing, but honestly, just doing what I can for this team to be successful. No matter if I lead the team in receiving yards, anything I just want to come out with a win at the end of the day, no matter how it has to get done.”

On Dante Moore‘s arm talent

Benson: “When I realized, you know, to that point his arm is unbelievable, was that catch I had versus, Oklahoma State. I was like, wow we got one of the, ones back there.”

On this week’s uniforms

Benson: “Just coming from JUCO and things like that, where we have limited jerseys and limited gear. Just being at a place like this to where we get a new set of gear almost every single week. It’s just like a big smile on my face, just because I’m not really used to just being able to get several different pairs of shoes and shirts and things like that. And then the jersey this week, I think they’re tough. I’m not gonna lie.”