From Carnegie Mellon University Athletics

Carnegie Mellon University senior running back Sam Benger (Hingham, Mass.) has been named preseason Most Valuable Player by Lindy's Sports for the 2017 season. In addition to his first team honor from Lindy's, the senior was also named to the Street & Smith's Preseason All-America team.

Benger will enter his final season as the program's all-time leading rusher, as he has ran for 4,333 yards in 32 career games. The senior has rushed for 49 touchdowns in three seasons and needs 10 more to become the school's all-time leader. His yardage currently rank fifth on the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) all-time list while his carries (725) and rushing touchdowns rank sixth.

The 5-8, 185-pound back is a two-time AFCA Division III Coaches' All-American, D3football.com All-American, CoSIDA Academic All American and PAC Offensive Player of the Year.  Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III South Offensive Player of the Year was another honor bestowed upon Benger in 2016. As a sophomore, Benger was the University Athletic Association (UAA) Offensive Player of the Year and garnered All-America recognition from The Associated Press (AP).

In 2015, Benger led the nation with an NCAA Division III-best 2,092 yards, averaging 190.2 yards per game while becoming the 21st player in Division III history to reach the 2,000-yard plateau. He then finished his junior season rushing for 1,671 yards and 26 touchdowns, ranking second nationally in touchdowns and third in rushing.