Next man up is usually reserved for injury situations in the NFL.
But for the Pittsburgh Steelers, that adage is reserved for budding defensive star Keeanu Benton.
Because while his mentor Cam Heyward isn't showing any signs of slowing down, after a huge play in the team's win over the Cleveland Browns, it's Benton that will be terrorizing offensives for years to come:
Keeanu Benton makes a miraculous interception against Browns
"But, you know, heck of a play," said Cam Heyward when asked about Benton's interception. "Great awareness, you know, just to track it down the line. It wasn't like it was, you know, popped in there or anything. But can't say enough about the kid. He works his tail off. I know he wants big plays all the time, but you know, it was a big play for us in this game, and luckily, had that kid on our sideline."
Interceptions are usually reserved for the defensive backfield but when you are as spry and agile as Keeanu Benton, interceptions are just another part of your skillset, even if his own teammates didn't know it yet:
"I was in the post [safety position] on that play, so seeing the screen happen, and seeing him put his hands up and catch it, I was like 'Oh, shoot,'" said safety DeShon Elliott after the game. "I don't know he was at athletic like, he's had a lot of pass breakups this year, because he's a great player. But I just didn't know he had those ball skills too. He was trying to get out of there so, and I think that running back was trying to make him fumble. So great ball security. I'm really proud of Keeanu."
Benton is just 23 years old and in the second year of his NFL career. A former Wisconsin Badger, his playstyle fits in perfectly with the Steelers as a sound run defender, yet interior presence in terms of pass rush.
But perhaps more importantly, Benton fits into the Steelers culture, as he already has a voice in the locker room as seen in episode one of Hard Knocks AFC North:
