Former Wisconsin star nose tackle flashes potential in Steelers’ preseason finale

Former Wisconsin Badgers nose tackle Keeanu Benton flashed his defensive brilliance in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason finale vs. the Detroit Lions on Saturday.

While Benton logged 0.5 sacks and an assisted tackle, his one game-wrecking play personified what he can bring to Pittsburgh’s defensive table this season.

Lined up just inside the right hash, the 2022 third-team All-Big Ten member manhandled Lions’ offensive lineman Duke Clemens to reach quarterback Hendon Hooker.

After being initially denied, Benton fakes right before tossing Clemens off him and bursting down the middle of the line to get a hand on Hooker before his Steeler teammates finished the sack.

As a 309-pound tackle, Benton’s nimbleness in open space is excellent. With that type of strength, his quickness with his cleats and ability to evade opposing lineman make him a devastating defensive presence in front of all-world linebackers T.J. Watt and Patrick Queen.

In total, the Janesville, Wisconsin native logged four tackles and one sack during Pittsburgh’s preseason.

Benton is listed as the Steelers’ No. 1 option at nose tackle ahead of the platoon’s 2024 season. Pittsburgh opens with an away contest vs. the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 8.