Nov. 19, 2009

Seniors Matt Cohen and B.J. Benning are key pieces of a Lehigh defense that leads the nation in sacks with 37. Heading into Saturday's showdown with rival Lafayette, each player was profiled in a feature story.

Lehigh University's Matt Cohen is embracing the spotlight that goes with being a leader

Matt Cohen came to Lehigh University from Central Catholic High School intent on "going about his business."

His business, as he heads into Saturday's 145th meeting of Lafayette-Lehigh, is to lead the Mountain Hawks' defense.

The All-America candidate wants nothing more than to go out with a win, which would be Lehigh's second straight over the Leopards.

For the full article from the Easton (Pa.) Express-Times click here

Benning Refuses to Give Up

At an age when most toddlers have just learned to walk, BJ Benning was taking on the streets of his neighborhood. At the ripe age of two-years old Benning hopped on his bike with the help of training wheels. Without a fear in sight, he insisted the training wheels be removed and in no time he was popping wheelies, riding through ditches and breaking his arm only to get back on again. It would seem a youngster would be scared to get hurt again, scared of the pain. But fear has never stopped Benning-- not then, and not now.

As a leader of the defensive line, Benning's fearlessness has resulted in an array of accomplishments. He is an All-America candidate. As a junior he was a First-Team All-Patriot League selection and recorded a career-high eight stops in the win over arch rival Lafayette. Benning finished second on the team his junior year with 6.0 sacks and a career-best 3.0 sacks in the win over Fordham.

Today Benning has traded conquering the terrain of his neighborhood on his bike for defeating anyone who comes his way on the football field. Still, completely fearless. "When you're on the field you cannot fear the other guy. You have to make sure he fears you," he says.

For the complete article by Maxie McCoy (Lehigh '09) on Lehighsports.com, click here