Miller, Benjamin Named to Special Teams Watch List

CORAL GABLES, Fla.– Sophomore running back Lamar Miller and senior wide receiver Travis Benjamin have been named to the College Football Performance Awards Special Teams Watch List for the 2011 season.

Benjamin was recognized as a punt returner, while Miller was included with the kick returners.

Miller is listed as one of 38 on the preseason list for the 2011 CFPA Kickoff Returner Trophy, while Benjamin is one of 35 punt returners to watch for nationally. Last season, Miller ran back eight kickoffs for an average of 26.8 yards per return. His best return came at Ohio State, where he ran back a kick for an 88-yard touchdown against the Buckeyes.

Benjamin has shared punt return duties in each of his first three seasons with the Hurricanes, turning in a career-best 11.3 average as a freshman in 2008. Last season, he led the Canes in punt returns (23) and punt return yardage (106) and recorded the team’s only punt return for a touchdown in a 79-yard return at Ohio State.

Last season, Leonard Hankerson earned Miami’s first-ever College Football Performance Award as he was the recipient of the 2010 Elite Wide Receiver Trophy.

The 2011 Canes will open their season on Sept. 5 at Maryland. The 8 p.m. game will be televised live on ESPN.