Patrick Benoist Interview
Linebacker - Vanderbilt 

By: Alex Khvatov

 

2/27/10

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Patrick Benoist:  I am 6’0” even, around 225 pounds and my consistent forty time is a high 4.5, low 4.6.      
 

Alex Khvatov:  What schools showed interest in you during the recruiting process?

Patrick Benoist:  I really narrowed it down to Vanderbilt and Stanford.  Both schools had a really good education.  Mississippi State, Colorado and SMU were also interested. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Vanderbilt?   

Patrick Benoist:  I had a good time on my official visit there.  Nashville is a great city.  They play in the SEC.  It is the best football conference in the nation.  They provide you with great education.  It was a great fit for me.
 

Alex Khvatov:  What were your expectations from a team and personal standpoint heading into the senior season? 

Patrick Benoist:  We had high expectations for my senior year because we were coming off our best season in Vanderbilt’s history.  We wanted to be at the top in the SEC East.  It didn’t happen because we went 2-10 this season.  We had a lot of bad breaks.  We should have won more.  I just wanted to work hard and make plays every Saturday.  I wanted to play smart and be a good leader.  I wanted to keep people motivated.
 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you rate your senior campaign?

Patrick Benoist:  I played very well.  I received more accolades my junior season, but I was more productive during my senior year.  I feel that I played better as a senior.  I was in the top 10 in tackles in the SEC.  I had about 90 tackles, a couple of fumble recoveries and an INT.  I made a lot of plays. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths on the football field?

Patrick Benoist:  My speed, quickness and intelligence.  I read and react very quickly.  I have a knack for the ball.  I have a good understanding of the overall scheme.  I make plays. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game do you need to improve upon? 

Patrick Benoist:  Tons of things.  I need to get bigger, stronger and faster.  I need to focus on my overall speed and explosion.  I have to work on covering receivers.  I need to stay as sharp as I can.    
 

Alex Khvatov:  What will you miss the most about Vanderbilt?

Patrick Benoist:  Tons of things.  I will miss the relationships with the teammates.  I had the chance to meet a lot of different people.  We spent a lot of time together.    
 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most memorable moment of your college career?

Patrick Benoist:  It would have to be my junior year.  We had a five-game stretch there that was great.  We won against ranked opponents.  We had a bowl win.  It was great.  It is my most memorable moment at Vandy. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Patrick Benoist:  I have actually been a Saints’ fan my whole life.  I wish that I could have been there when they came back to New Orleans with the trophy at hand.  It is great for the city.  Everyone knows the story.  They definitely deserve it.  They were subpar before, then they got better and now they won a Championship.  It is pretty cool.  I was also a Cowboys’ fan because I lived in Dallas.    
 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Patrick Benoist:  Lawrence Taylor, Ray Lewis and Dick Butkus.  I love to watch these guys.  Right now, I like Ray Lewis.  He is great at reading and reacting.  He is a great motivator.  He will go down as a top five linebacker of all time.   
 

Alex Khvatov:  Which underclassmen on your team should we keep an eye on in the future?

Patrick Benoist:  Let’s look at the offensive side of the ball.  There are three very good young RB’s.  Warren Norman, Zac Stacy and Wesley Tate.  They should develop into great players.  All of them will do well.  On defense, Chris Marve is a great player.  He has a knack for the ball.  He loves to hit. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the greatest lesson that you have learned in life? 

Patrick Benoist:  Just to relax and have fun.  You shouldn’t take anything too seriously.  Take things as they come and just go with the flow.  Continue to work hard and enjoy what you are doing.  Do everything to the fullest. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Patrick Benoist:  I love to go hunting although it is tough to do with football season.  I will get back into it.  I like to watch movies and chill with friends.
 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you plan to do with your life after football?  

Patrick Benoist:  I aspire to do a lot of things.  I have looked at Law School or possibly getting my MBA.  Both of my folks are in real estate.  I have been looking into that.  I naturally understand the business of it.  There is more to me than just football. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  Is the NFL a dream or a reality at this point?   

Patrick Benoist:  Really it is both.  It is a reality because it’s here right now.  I have one shot to do it.  It is a dream because it hasn’t happened yet.  It is a dream come true.  It is a reality that I am working hard for.  I will be willing to do anything to play.  I love football and I will do whatever it takes. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  How are you preparing for the Pro Day?

Patrick Benoist:  I am up in New York.  I am working on speed and explosion.  Forty time is a big testament.  I am working on my vertical and my strength.  I am working on my running form.  I want to get my forty time down and get my body stronger.  I want to impress some scouts when they come to my Pro Day on March 19^th.
 

Alex Khvatov:  Finish the sentence, Patrick Benoist is….

Patrick Benoist:  One word describes me and that is dedicated.  I like to do it to the fullest.  I am going to try my hardest to play at the next level.  I am going to work hard.