Harding University Athletics

High School - Started three seasons as a shortstop for coach Dennis Rine at Harding Academy in Searcy, Ark ... three-time all-conference and all-state as a senior ... helped lead HA to a 22-4 record and conference championship as a senior ... played wide receiver and defensive back for one season on the Wildcat football team.

Played summer ball for the Searcy American Legion team.

Personal - Born: June 17, 1988 in Searcy, Ark. ... Major: Business ... Parents: Tony and Paula Benton ... has one sister ... hobbies include duck hunting, trout fishing, and playing golf ... describes his style of play with the terms aggressive, dirty-jersey, and endurance ... considers his dad, David Eckstein, and Ozzie Smith as heroes in his life ... once placed third in the world in a duck calling contest ... favorites include Chili's restaurant, Wyoming vacations, country music, Delta Waterfowl magazine, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Indianapolis Colts.