May 10, 2014
New York, N.Y.----- Two-time first-team all-conference cornerback Bené Benwikerewas selected in the fifth round of the 2014 National Football League draft by the Carolina Panthers.
Benwikere was the Panthers fifth choice in the seven-round draft and the second defensive back taken by National Football Conference South Division regular season champion.
The 148th overall selection in the 2014 NFL draft, Benwikere played 47 games making 30 starts in four seasons for the Spartans. He shares the San Jose State records for career pass interceptions (14), consecutive games with a pass interception (4) and the single-game record of three pass interceptions in a game.
For his career, he was credited with 214 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 22 pass break-ups.
In 2012, Benwikere became the first San Jose State player to be named a Walter Camp Football Foundation National Player of the Week when he came up with three interceptions in a 52-43 win over Louisiana Tech to close the regular season.
Benwikere is the first San José State player selected by the Carolina Panthers since the franchise joined the NFL in 1995.
| Recent San José State draftees | ||
| Player | Team | Yr./Round (Selection) |
| Bené Benwikere, CB | Carolina Panthers | 2014/5th (148) |
| David Fales, QB | Chicago Bears | 2014/6th (183) |
| David Quessenberry, OT | Houston Texans | 2013/6th (176) |
| Jarron Gilbert, DT | Chicago Bears | 2009/3rd (68) |
| Christopher Owens, CB | Atlanta Falcons | 2009/3rd (90) |
| Coye Francies, CB | Cleveland Browns | 2009/6th (191) |
| Dwight Lowery, CB | New York Jets | 2008/4th (113) |