a reliable, special-teams-first linebacker with academic polish
Van Bennekum has carved out a real role at San Jose State by appearing in eight games in 2025, mainly on special teams, after previously redshirting and not seeing game action in 2023 and 2024.[1] At 6'2", 217 pounds, he brings solid linebacker traits in the data—79 tackling, 80 pursuit, 76 hit power, and 68 block shedding in EA Sports ratings—which points to a downhill, assignment-sound defender rather than a flashy stat-chaser.[2][3] His Mountain West academic honors also suggest a dependable, coachable profile that fits teams looking for toughness, consistency, and depth at linebacker and on coverage units.[1]
