Junior Keyon Benton started playing at the age of 5. He stopped during 6th grade due to a head injury did not play 7th grade year and returned to football in 8th. He began his High school football career during 8th grade on the JV Harrisonburg High School team, he played for 8th grade year and 9th. After the school split due to Rocktown High School being built, Benton continued his football journey at Rocktown High school, noting improved team chemistry and experience compared to the previous year. He highlights the need for his team to finish games stronger.
Keyon mentions his journey from being a ninth grader sidelined by an injury to a star offensive player, including his transition from receiver to quarterback. “My ninth grade year, I got suspended the first game, and then when I came back, I broke my collarbone, so I was out for that whole season.” Benton said. After that Injury, Benton had to do some in particular things to be able to train his body. “I did physical rehab for pretty much a whole month, and then I had to, like, train my body to get my right arm back to being regular.” Benton said. Despite the month of rehab, he made it past the injury for the next season.
He started off at Rocktown after the schools split for his Sophomore year. “Then my 10th grade year, I didn’t really get a lot of film on me, and didn’t really get the ball a lot, so I kind of sat there and played defense, but we were getting blown out, So I really didn’t play a lot of defense. And then my 11th grade year, I went from being a receiver and DB to being Qb and DB,” Benton said. Benton has navigated big and small changes throughout his high school years with football.
He credits his parents for inspiring him and values their support and critique. Benton prepares for games with music and food, learning discipline from his coaches. He plans to pursue football in college, enjoys playing quarterback, defensive back, and receiver, and wouldn’t consider playing offensive line due to his size. He has strong connections with coaches and friends through sports, particularly basketball, which he currently prefers over football.
Benton wants to pursue football and basketball in his future. “In my future, I see myself going d2 or d3 going to college for football and basketball, trying to get my education in exercise science, which is also known as kinesiology.” Benton says.