Benson won the job following Dedrick Mills’ dismissal from the team on Aug. 18 for a violation of athletic-department policy, competing with Jerry Howard, Jordan Ponchez-Mason and Quaide Weimerskirch. Benson’s first carry against the Volunteers will be his first. Benson played seven games last season as a redshirt freshman, mainly on special teams.

Earlier in the preseason, Johnson described him as “really strong” and the fastest of the B-backs. Benson, a Marietta High grad, missed some time in the preseason with an injury, returning last week.