Aj Benton: Shifting the culture for Campbell Football.

By Erin Reid Buies Creek, NC

At just 18 years old, linebacker Aj Benton is already turning heads in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).

The 5-foot-11, 225-pound freshman from Milton High School in Georgia is building a reputation as an explosive, physical, and versatile defender on the Campbell University football team — and he’s just getting started.

Photo Credit - Campbell Football

Benton’s football journey began at the age of six with flag football. His inspiration? His father, Grover Benton, who passed down a love for the game that was sparked by countless Saturdays watching college football especially trips to Florida State games when Aj was a child. That early exposure ignited a passion that has never wavered.

“My mom and dad made huge sacrifices to get me to where I am now,” Benton said. “They’ve always been a motivational and supportive force in my life.”

Benton’s path to the college game took a major turn when he transferred from St. Francis High School to powerhouse Milton High for his junior year — a decision he calls the best he’s ever made.

Milton’s program, known for mimicking the structure of a college team, gave him a taste of what was to come: long travel days for out-of-state games, weight training regimens, and a championship mentality that delivered back-to-back state titles.

Photo Credit- Milton Football

After enrolling early at Campbell in January, Benton immediately immersed himself in college-level preparation both on and off the field. From intensive offseason workouts to mastering a brand-new defensive playbook, the learning curve was steep — but Benton thrived.

He impressed during Campbell’s spring game and looked primed to earn a starting linebacker spot before suffering a setback with a hamstring injury.

Now, full of confidence and determination, Benton is focused on regaining his spot in the lineup during fall camp.

Enjoying the learning process with coach Koy McFarland’s modern, player-first coaching style has complemented the focused but grounded Benton.

“He doesn’t yell or curse — but he doesn’t like to repeat himself either,” Benton said with a smile. “He’s young, relatable, and someone we all enjoy being around. It means a lot.”

Behind the scenes, Benton has worked with respected trainers like Drew Johnson and Ike Knight to hone his physical tools.

This offseason, Benton added 10 pounds of muscle and continued speed and agility training to maintain — and improve — his sideline-to-sideline explosiveness.

Benton’s development isn’t limited to the gridiron.

A Sports Management major taking 15 credit hours, he’s as committed to growth in the classroom and community as he is between the lines.

He credits coaches Torre Costin, Rod Redmond, Brandon Jacobs, and Mike Wimberly for shaping him both as a player and a man.

For Benton, faith and leadership are just as important as tackles and sacks.

“My goal isn’t just to be a Freshman All-American — though that’s on the list,” he said. “I want to be a vocal leader, lead by example, and grow in my relationship with God.

Football is great, but without God, I’m nothing.”

Quoting Philippians 4:13, Benton shares advice for younger players hoping to follow in his footsteps:

“Have a relationship with God—it will carry you through adversity. Keep the main thing the main thing. Don’t get distracted. Lose the bad habits and surround yourself with the right people.”

His interests off the field — fishing, golfing, watching movies, and gaming — provide quiet moments of peace away from the intensity of football, reminding him of the importance of balance.

And while the future may hold an NFL dream, Benton is already planning a life in football beyond playing.

“I want to coach after my playing career,” he said. “It’s about giving back and helping the next generation the way my coaches helped me.”

With talent, character, and a mission-driven mindset, Aj Benton isn’t just a name to watch for Campbell this fall — he’s a potential star in the making, both on and off the fiel