Browns’ Benjamin making an impact

Cleveland PlainDealer

BEREA

If Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden didn’t know the legend of “Muck City” before arriving in the NFL, he’s receiving an education in it, courtesy of teammate Travis Benjamin.

Nicknamed for its fertile black soil, Belle Glade, Fla., and neighboring Pahokee produce sugarcane, sweet corn, peas and pro football players in abundance. Benjamin is among the natives who grew up chasing rabbits from the burning fields of cane at harvest time, a pursuit that strengthens legs and sharpens instincts.

Like many pro players from the rural parts on the shore of Lake Okeechobee, the wisp of a receiver is blessed with quickness. While rookies must adjust to the speed of the NFL, the NFL sometimes need to adjust to the speed of the blazers from Muck City.

“He’s the fastest guy I’ve ever played with,” said Weeden, who has underthrown a sprinting Benjamin on at least three occasions in the first four games. “He can really fly. I’m throwing routes to him where I have to shorten my drop to get it to him. I’ve never had a guy who can stretch it vertically that well. I’m not going to lie — it takes some getting used to.”

The Browns are hoping Benjamin becomes the latest from Belle Glade and Pahokee to excel in the league. The two towns, whose combined populations don’t exceed 25,000 residents, are home to Santonio Holmes, Anquan Boldin, Fred Taylor, Andre Waters and Pro Football Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson. Benjamin’s alma mater, Belle Glades Central High School, has placed 30-plus players in the NFL.

“The competition level is so high there,” Benjamin said. “When I went to [the University of] Miami and was playing against Florida State, I was facing some of the same kids from back home.”

Benjamin has five receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. His snap count has risen dramatically in the past two games, and opponents must account for his big-play potential.

“There’s a little bit of a fear factor with him,” said Browns quarterbacks coach Mark Whipple, who served as Benjamin’s offensive coordinator for two seasons at Miami. “Nobody likes to get beat deep. You see the way they play him, there’s a respect factor there.”