Kahlil Benson, a standout offensive lineman for the Colorado Buffaloes, is making waves both on and off the field. Benson’s family’s strong values and support have deeply rooted his journey from Memphis, Tennessee, to Boulder, Colorado. Behind Benson’s dedication is a support system that molds and guides him; his mother LaTonya and his grandmother have been the true pillars of inspiration.

Kahlil Benson’s supportive foundation

Kahlil Benson hails from Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in a home that prioritized community service and faith as core values. LaTonya Benson, his mother, was instrumental in raising him, imparting the values of kindness, perseverance, and diligence.”My grandma and mom instilled a lot in me,” Benson shared. “We always made sure that if we’re out, and we saw someone who needed help, it’s not gonna take a couple of minutes to uplift their day. It’s always good to help people.”

LaTonya’s commitment to the community was evident through her work helping young adults who had fallen through the cracks of the education system to get back into school or secure employment. Her dedication and visible presence in the community inspired Kahlil to follow in her footsteps, contributing to various community service projects throughout his life. Additionally, this strong female influence, led by his mother and grandmother, significantly shaped his character and values.

Also, Benson’s football journey began unexpectedly during a routine outing with his mother. “We were going to get something to eat, and we saw a pee-wee football team. My mom says, ‘Have you ever thought about playing football?’ She ended up asking them, the coach ended up coming out, and I get up there, first day they put me in pads, and I was like ‘oh, I like this’ and ever since then I’ve been playing football“.

Athletic and academic journey

Kahlil Benson was a student at Southaven High School in Mississippi and he was a brilliant scholar besides being a sportsman. In football, he was selected as a first-team all-state and was also a team captain. In addition, he was able to get a scholarship at Indiana University where he played 24 games in four seasons. During his time at Indiana, he achieved a lot such as featuring in all 12 games as a right tackle in 2023 and receiving a run block grade of 87. 2 against Indiana State.

Furthermore, Benson’s transfer to Colorado marked a new chapter in his career. Also, he joined the Buffaloes with high expectations and has quickly become a key player on the offensive line. His impressive performance includes allowing only one sack over 424 pass attempts in the 2023 season, showcasing his reliability and skill. Also, as a four-star prospect in the transfer portal, Benson is expected to continue his trajectory of excellence at Colorado.

Off the field, Benson’s dedication to community service remains strong. He has volunteered at a school for special needs students and the National Civil Rights Museum, reflecting his commitment to giving back and staying connected to his roots. “You never forget where you come from,” Benson emphasizes, highlighting the lasting influence of his family’s guidance in his life.