Phoenix (Ariz.) Thunderbird running back Kani Benoit rushed for a very impressive 2,260 yards and 36 touchdowns this season en route to being named to the AZFCA Super 25 all-star and Division III all-state teams.

Due to his production as a runner and kick returner, Benoit has nearly double-digit college offers, including the likes of Colorado State, UNLV, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Toledo.

After taking a trip to Colorado State a month ago, Benoit said the Rams are still among his top suitors. He discussed that visit with GoldandGreenNews.com.

"It was good, I got to meet a lot of the coaching staff. It's a real homely environment there so I liked that part about it. The academics I really enjoy. What they're doing with their program there is what really attracts me there. They're getting a new stadium and training facilities.

"They're really trying to bring winning back to that school, so you know it's really, really intrigued my interest," he said.

Benoit added that he enjoyed his time spent with his player host, redshirt freshman receiver Jordan White, and the rest of the team.

"They were really truthful about the coaches and what's been going on with the program, so you know, I really got to trust them. They seemed to be hard-working and they believe in what the head coach is doing this year and what's to come. I learned a lot from them and it was good."

He would make it seem like Colorado State is the team to beat for now, but he explained that although the Rams have attained a strong interest level from him, he is staying patient with his options.

"I don't really have one favorite right now. I haven't really taken any other trips yet. But right now, my favorites would have to be Colorado State, Illinois and Vanderbilt. Those are the ones I'm really interested in now."

He said he hopes to take at least two trips this month, including visits to the two schools that have shown recent interest but have yet to offer.

"I hope to go to Illinois and Vanderbilt," he said. "I'm pretty sure if I trip to Vanderbilt that they're going to offer along with Illinois."

And if they do offer, he isn't sure yet if either one will jump to the top of his list.

"No, I really like Colorado State, but I'm waiting to see what happens. I'll probably have a decision made by mid-January of where I'll want to go. I don't want to jump the gun too soon."

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