After a journey that took him through multiple college programs and into a leadership role at Kennesaw State, running back Coleman Bennett is beginning to generate real traction ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Bennett, who had a Seattle Seahawks 30-visit during the pre-draft process, brings a unique blend of experience, versatility, and football intelligence to the table. With stops at Bucknell, Rice, and Kennesaw State, his path hasn’t been traditional — but it’s precisely that journey that has helped
shape a well-rounded prospect with a mature approach to the game.
In an exclusive interview with Field Gulls, Bennett opened up about his background, playing style, and what he believes he brings to the next level.
1. You come from a family with NFL ties. How has that shaped your mindset and preparation?
Coleman Bennett:
Growing up in a family with NFL ties had a big impact on me early on. My dad built my football IQ and instilled the work ethic it takes to compete at the highest level. I’ve always carried a mindset of never letting anyone outwork me, on or off the field. I take pride in my preparation, making sure I know as much as possible about the game and my opponent. That preparation allows the game to slow down for me when I’m out there.
2. You played at Bucknell, Rice, and Kennesaw State. How did that journey shape you as a player and as a person?
Coleman Bennett:
Every stop in my college career helped shape me into a better man and a better football player. I’m truly blessed for my time at Bucknell University, Rice University, and Kennesaw State University. At each place, I gained valuable lessons from coaches, professors, administrators, teammates, and fellow students that have helped me both on and off the field. Every experience taught me something new, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without those programs.
3. You’ve had multiple leadership experiences, including serving as a team captain. What does being a leader mean to you?
Coleman Bennett:
Being a leader means everything to me. There’s a saying that how you do anything is how you do everything, and that’s how I carry myself every day. I take pride in leading by example and holding both myself and others to a high standard. To me, leadership isn’t just about being in charge. It’s about being accountable and making sure everyone around you is moving with purpose.
I enjoy being a leader because I’m in the people business. I’ve been led before, so I understand the impact a strong leader can have, and that motivates me to step up for others. At the same time, I never put myself above anyone. I make it clear that we’re all equal, nobody gets special treatment, and I make mistakes just like everyone else.
Being a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated has also played a big role in shaping my leadership. It’s taught me how to lead with discipline, accountability, and purpose in every aspect of life.
4. How would you describe your playing style to someone who has never seen you play, and do you see yourself as more of a physical, agile, or complete running back?
Coleman Bennett:
I’d describe my playing style as a true complete running back. I combine shiftiness with power, so I can make defenders miss in tight spaces or run through contact. I play with strong football IQ, vision, patience, and quick feet. I’m reliable in pass protection and effective catching out of the backfield, which allows me to stay on the field in any situation.
5. Do you feel more comfortable in a zone or gap/power scheme, and how do you expect the transition between shotgun and under center alignments to impact your game at the next level?
Coleman Bennett:
I’m comfortable in both zone and gap schemes. I grew up running 16 power, learning it from my father, and in little league we called it about 97% of the time for an entire season, so it became second nature to me early on. I’ve carried that foundation throughout my career while also gaining experience in a variety of zone concepts, which allows me to adjust to any system.
I expect my transition between shotgun and under center to be smooth. I’ve taken reps under center at Rice University and again at the 2026 Hula Bowl (Editor’s note: He also meet with the Seahawks here) under Jay Gruden, where I operated that way most of the time. In both situations, I performed at a high level and showed I can adapt and execute in any scheme.
6. What is your read process like before and after the snap?
Coleman Bennett:
My read process stays consistent before and after the snap, depending on the play. Pre-snap, I start with the safeties since they’re the free hitters in the run game. Their alignment and rotation help me identify potential blitzes and give me a good idea of the coverage, whether it’s one-high or two-high. From there, I look at the box to see if it’s loaded or if we have a numbers advantage, and I identify the front, whether it’s odd or even, under or over, to understand leverage and how the blocking scheme will play out.
Once the ball is snapped on run plays, I get my eyes to my read key, make my decision, and react off that. I also make sure I understand the full play, knowing whether receivers have a run tag, are blocking MDM, or working a push crack, so I can have in my head how the play is designed to develop and be ready to react when necessary.
In the pass game, I identify whether I’m matched or unmatched. If I’m matched, I look my defender in the eyes and win the rep. If I’m unmatched, I locate the flat defender and run my route accordingly, whether that’s sitting in a zone window or out-leveraging the defense. Every route I run is with the intention to win or to create opportunities for my teammates.
7. Your game blends physicality and agility. Is that something natural, or something you developed over time?
Coleman Bennett:
That’s something I’ve been blessed with by God, but I’ve also put in the work to develop it. Size, speed, and strength only go so far. It’s about knowing how and when to use them. I’ve worked to get my body to a point where I can be both physical and agile, and perform at a high level in both areas.
8. How important are pass protection and the passing game for an NFL running back, and how do you evaluate your growth in those areas?
Coleman Bennett:
Pass protection and the passing game are critical for an NFL running back. If you can’t protect the quarterback, you won’t see the field. It takes a mindset and a willingness to do it every single play.
The passing game is also what separates you. At that level, everyone can run the ball, so being able to win one-on-one matchups out the backfield or lined up at receiver (Bennett is a former WR) is what sets you apart. I’ve continued to grow in both areas through reps and experience, and I understand that to compete in the NFL, my pass protection and receiving ability have to be elite.
9. What is the main thing you are working to improve before the draft?
Coleman Bennett:
I want to be in the best shape of my life when it comes to this next chapter in my life. So just getting my conditioning in as well as keeping my strength. I want to be able to carry the ball 20-30 times a week for a 18 week season and the playoffs and super bowl.
10. What will an NFL team be getting in you, on and off the field?
Coleman Bennett:
An NFL team is getting a leader first and foremost, someone who can step into any locker room and make an impact on and off the field. I’m ready to compete right away, whether that’s on offense or special teams.
Off the field, I’ll represent the organization the right way as a role model, a teammate, and a mentor in the community. On the field, I’m a playmaker with the ball in my hands, and when I don’t have it, I’m doing everything I can to help the other playmakers succeed.
Thanks to Coleman for the interview! Check out some of his highlights in the video below.
