Healthier, Leaner Kelvin Benjamin Ready to “Go Full”

A week before the Carolina Panthers’ first training camp practice in Spartanburg, Kelvin Benjamin was on the field running routes in Charlotte.The second-year receiver looked healthy and lean. He even seemed taller than usual, but that likely was because more than 200 kids surrounded him at Rocky River High School during his youth football camp.Ultimately, the hamstring issues that kept Benjamin off the field for the majority of OTAs and minicamp are no longer bothering him.When asked if he was ready for Spartanburg, Benjamin said: “Oh yeah, oh yeah. I’m feeling good.””I am looking to go full.”In May, Benjamin tweaked his left hamstring. In June, it was the right. Then coach Ron Rivera mentioned weight may have been a factor, setting off outside alarm bells about work ethic.Yes, Benjamin reported to spring workouts heavier than Carolina wanted, but Friday, he brushed off questions about Rivera’s theory.”It happens. Everybody gets hurt, right?” Benjamin said.”I’m playing weight.”A guy carrying a few extra pounds a couple months before camp isn’t a major deal. But at Florida State, and even early in his career in Carolina, Benjamin has appeared to lose focus at times. It’s fair to wonder if the weight thing showed he isn’t yet a total pro. So across the city at Bank of America Stadium Friday morning, I asked Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman if Benjamin is still struggling to focus fully.”No, he’s not,” Gettleman said. “He’s fine, absolutely fine.”So Gettleman isn’t concerned, and neither is Benjamin. Truly, there’s little reason to worry further about his weight, work ethic or hamstrings unless he gives reason to in Spartanburg.The only time Benjamin appeared slightly uncomfortable Friday is when he had to answer reporters’ questions. On the field, he ran around like he didn’t have a care in the world.”I wanted to do something in Charlotte and give back to the kids. This is the Panther nation, so I knew a lot of kids would know me,” Benjamin said about his first ProCamp.But who’s the bigger kid, the campers or the 6-foot-5 24-year-old?”Probably me,” Benjamin said, laughing. “They don’t even know how many video games I play.”