Kurt Benkert: A Quarterback's Journey Through College and the Pros
Kurt Benkert, born on July 17, 1995, is an American former professional football player who played quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). His career spanned various teams and leagues, showcasing his talent and determination on the field. This article delves into Benkert's college statistics, tracing his journey from high school to college and his eventual entry into professional football.
Early Years and High School Career
Benkert's football journey began at Cape Coral High School in Cape Coral, Florida. Before his senior year, he transferred to Island Coast High School, also in Cape Coral. As a senior, he excelled, passing for 2,261 yards and 20 touchdowns. These impressive stats highlight his early potential and set the stage for his college career. Topped all Southwest Florida quarterbacks in passing yards with 2,261 as a senior at Island Coast High School. Completed 147-of-236 passes (62.3 percent), which included 20 touchdown tosses and just four interceptions to help the Gators to an 8-3 overall record and 5-1 6A District 11 mark (co-champions with South Fort Myers). On the ground, rushed for 300 yards on 80 carries. ICHS advanced to the Florida High School Athletic Association 6A playoffs, but fell to eventual final-four participant Naples in the first round. Earned third-team 6A All-State honors from the Associated Press while also picking up first-team All-Area recognition from the Fort Myers News-Press. Transferred into head coach Joe Bowen’s program as a senior (from Cape Coral High School) after the Gators changed their offensive scheme from the veer to a pro-style attack, and followed by averaging 34.4 points per game in 2012. Selected as the News-Press Player-of-the-Week (Oct. 12) after leading ICHS to a 55-0 victory over Bishop Verot. Was listed 33rd on the Orlando Sentinel’s MidWest Florida Super 60 list heading into his senior campaign. Helped lead CCHS to a 7-5 record (5-0 in league play) as a junior, completing 189-of-367 passes for 2,771 yards, 25 TDs and seven interceptions. Additionally, rushed 55 times for 150 yards and three touchdowns for coach Brad Metheny. Also served as the Seahawks’ punter, averaging 37.7 yards per boot with a long of 56 yards and 11 downed inside the 20-yard line. Named to the News-Press All-Area first team unit as a punter in 2011. An Honor Roll performer in the classroom. Born in Baltimore, Md.
College Career
East Carolina Pirates (2013-2015)
Benkert began his college career with the East Carolina Pirates in 2013. After redshirting his first year, he appeared in three games in 2014, completing eight of 10 passes for 58 yards and an interception. In 2015, he was set to be the starting quarterback but suffered a season-ending knee injury during fall camp. Haines, Brian (August 26, 2015). "ECU QB Kurt Benkert out for season with knee injury".
Virginia Cavaliers (2016-2017)
Following his time at East Carolina, Benkert transferred to the University of Virginia. He quickly made an impact, becoming the starting quarterback for the Cavaliers.
2016 Season
In 2016, Benkert started 10 of UVA’s 12 games. He led UVA with 2,552 passing yards, which ranks No. 6 all-time on UVA’s single-season passing list. His 21 passing touchdowns rank in a three-way tie with Shawn Moore (1990) and Bobby Goodman (1992) for second-most in a season by a UVA quarterback. He made his UVA debut against Richmond, throwing for 264 yards and three touchdowns. He also had notable performances against Oregon, UConn, Central Michigan, Duke, and Pitt. Tied Matt Schaub (2003) for being the quickest quarterback to 2,000 passing yards in a season, doing so in eight games. Set the UVA record for passing yards in a game with 421 against Central Michigan. His five passing touchdowns against Central Michigan are tied with four other Cavaliers for second-most all-time for a game in program history. Holds UVA record for most passing yards through career starts 4-10. First Cavalier quarterback to amass at least 1,000 passing yards in his first four career starts. Did not play at Georgia Tech. Saw time against Virginia Tech off the bench. Made UVA debut against Richmond. Was 26-of-34 for 264 yards and three touchdowns against Richmond. His three touchdowns and 26 completions tied Mike Groh for most in UVA history by a quarterback making his first career start. Was 20-of-39 for 193 yards and two interceptions at then-No. 24 Oregon. Was 23-of-42 with 241 passing yards at UConn. Set a UVA passing record for a game with 421 yards against Central Michigan. Also matched the second-best game output in program history with five touchdowns against Central Michigan. Completed 27-of-43 passes against CMU. Was 23-of-41 for 336 yards and three touchdowns against Duke. Was 20-of-44 passing for 278 yards and one touchdown against Pitt. Found Olamide Zaccheaus on a 74-yard scoring strike in the first quarter. Was 19-of-32 for 126 yards against then-No. 22 North Carolina. Finished 25-of-39 for 238 passing yards and three touchdowns in a near upset of then-No.
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2017 Season
In 2017, Benkert started all 13 of UVA’s games. He became the first player in UVA history to throw for at least 3,000 yards in a season. He is the first player in UVA history to throw for at least 3,000 yards in a season. Tied his 2016 season and Matt Schaub (2003) for being the quickest quarterback to 2,000 passing yards in a season, doing so in eight games. Completed 27-of-39 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns in season-opening win against William & Mary. Broke the UVA record with 66 pass attempts against Indiana. Completed 39 passes against the Hoosiers, which is tied with Matt Schaub (FSU, 2003) four fourth-most completions in a single game in UVA history. Threw for 259 yards and one score against Indiana 421 against Central Michigan in 2016. Completed 30-of-40 passing and three touchdowns against the Huskies. His 465 yards of total offense was also a single-game school record. For the second time he set the UVA single-game passing record with 455 passing yards against UConn, breaking his previous record of 421. Was named ACC Offesnive Back of the Week on Sept. 25 after throwing for 273 yards and three touchdowns in a road win at Boise State. Was 24-of-43 for 182 yards and three touchdowns in UVA’s home win against Duke. Also rushed five times for 17 yards. Was 19-of-31 for 249 yards and two touchdowns. Found Olamide Zaccheaus for an 81-yard touchdown, which was the fourth-longest one-play scoring drive in program history. Was 22-of-42 for 212 yards and two touchdowns at Pitt. Was 21-of-41 passing for 260 yards and three touchdowns against Georgia Tech. Against the Yellow Jackets he tossed the 27-yard game-winning touchdown to Andre Levrone with 1:22 left to play in a steady rain. Was 19-of-36 for 214 yards and a touchdown at Louisville. Was 28-of-37 passing for 384 yards and four touchdowns at No. 2 Miami. His 75-yard touchdown to Joe Reed, four overall touchdowns and 384 passing yards were all season hights against Miami. Threw for 186 yards against Virginia Tech, passing Matt Schaub’s 2002 UVA single-season passing record of 2,976 yards.
Benkert left UVA holding several records, including single-season passing yards (3,207), completions (298), attempts (509), 200+-yard passing games (9, T1st), and total offense (3,144), all achieved in 2017. He also set records for single-game passing (455 yards vs. UConn) and single-game total offense (465 yards vs. UConn), both in 2017. He is tied for first in program history with three career passes of 80 yards or more. Additionally, he holds UVA career records for completions per game (21.91), passing touchdowns per career game (1.92), and the fewest career interceptions per pass (0.0218).NOTABLELeaves UVA as the single-season program leader in passing yards (3,207), completions (298), attempts (509), 200+-yard passing games (9, T1st) and total offense (3,144), all of which was done in 2017 … also holds UVA records for single-game passing (455, vs. UConn) and single-game total offense (465, vs. UConn), both of which happened in 2017 … he is also tied for first in program history with three career passes of 80 yards or more … also holds UVA career record for completions per game (21.91), passing touchdowns per career game (1.92) and the fewest career interceptions per pass (0.0218) … No.
Professional Career
NFL
Atlanta Falcons (2018-2021)
After going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, Benkert signed with the Atlanta Falcons. He spent several seasons with the team, primarily as a practice squad member. He was placed on injured reserve in 2019 and waived in 2021. Benkert was flexed to the active roster for a game against the Saints in November 2020. Signed with the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) as an undrafted free agent following the 2018 NFL draft; he was also a member of the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers. Falcons announce agreements with 27 undrafted free agents. Falcons 2018 roster: Atlanta announces roster cuts, trims active roster down to 52. Falcons sign 10 players to practice squad. Falcons sign nine players to reserve/futures contracts. Falcons place Kurt Benkert on IR, agree to terms with Tommy Doles. Falcons 2020 roster announced. Falcons claim lineman, fill out most of practice squad. Falcons flex Kurt Benkert to active roster for Saints game. Falcons sign 11 players to reserve/future contracts. Falcons release Ricardo Allen, Allen Bailey and waive Kurt Benkert.
Green Bay Packers (2021-2022)
In 2021, Benkert joined the Green Bay Packers. He was elevated to the active roster as a COVID-19 replacement for Jordan Love. He was later released in June 2022. Packers sign QB Kurt Benkert. Packers announce roster moves. Packers sign 16 players to practice squad. Green Bay Packers elevate Kurt Benkert as Jordan Love COVID-19 replacement. Packers sign 10 free agents. Packers release QB Kurt Benkert.
San Francisco 49ers (2022)
Benkert briefly joined the San Francisco 49ers practice squad in September 2022 before being released in November 2022. 49ers sign QB Kurt Benkert to the practice squad; Marlon Mack added to the active roster. 49ers Sign Tevin Coleman to Active Roster; Release QB. 49ers Sign Benkert, Hollman to the Practice Squad. 49ers release Kurt Benkert from the practice squad; sign QB Jacob Eason.
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XFL
Houston Roughnecks/San Antonio Brahmas (2023)
Benkert was assigned to the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL in December 2022 but initially chose not to sign a contract. However, he later joined the league and played for both the Roughnecks and the San Antonio Brahmas. He suffered three broken ribs in a game against the Vegas Vipers. QB's Kurt Benkert (Houston) and D'Eriq King (D.C.) Assigned To XFL Teams. Kurt Benkert Traded to San Antonio Brahmas. San Antonio Brahmas vs Arlington Renegades, Week 6. Brahmas vs. Vipers - XFL Play-By-Play - April 1, 2023. The kid just got some bad news. 3 fractured ribs. Per source.
Post-Football Career
After his football career, Benkert transitioned into the world of esports, signing with Spacestation Gaming. He also maintains a presence on YouTube. NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert joins Spacestation Gaming. Kurt Benkert - YouTube.
Read also: Hall of Fame Profile: Kurt Warner
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