The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1040273
SUPER BENCH The "Superman" television show used to start off by noting that the titular character was "more powerful than a lo- comotive and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound" — and sophomore fullback Ben "Bench" Mason has proven that description could also apply to him on the football field. The 6-3, 254-pound battering ram has shown impressive power all year as a rusher and blocker, but really showed off his athleticism against Maryland Oct. 6 by leaping over a defender after hauling in a pass and then making another miss on his way to a 15-yard gain. Through seven weeks, he has rushed 16 times for 41 yards. The 2.6-yard aver- age won't blow anybody away, but a deeper look reveals that 11 of his totes have moved the chains, including five that ended up in the end zone. Mason's role seems to be expanding by the week, and with more opportunities he is showing everything he can do. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN