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Walnut Hills graduate Benson Browne preparing for NFL training camp

Posted at 10:59 AM, Jul 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-15 10:58:59-04

CINCINNATI – Benson Browne’s approach is simple enough in the NFL. He won’t cut corners.

And the rookie tight end will put in the work off the field to learn the offensive schemes quickly.

Browne, a 2011 Walnut Hills graduate, signed with the Los Angeles Rams June 6. The former North Carolina State tight end has been working out in Charlotte the past few weeks, but will return to California in late July in time for training camp

The Rams open the preseason Aug. 13 against the Dallas Cowboys at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Benson Browne, right, celebrates teammate Jaylen Samuels' touchdown in North Carolina State's game against Troy in September 2015. Lance King | Getty Images

“What I learned is that you to pick up quickly on the playbook,” Browne told WCPO.com this week. “If you don’t know what you’re doing you can’t play.”

Browne, a College Hill native, is 6 feet 6 and 250 pounds. He is tall with soft hands. More importantly, his work ethic has impressed the coaches including scout Ray Agnew, a former N.C. State defensive tackle, who is now a Rams scout.

"Consistency is what coaches are looking for," Browne said. "You can't be hot one day and cold the next. You have to always be on or you are going to get passed up."

Family and friends were ecstatic for Browne earlier this summer when he signed. Oak Hills offensive coordinator George Kontsis, who was Browne’s head coach at Walnut Hills, was among the first to congratulate him this summer.

“He’s always been supportive and looking out for me,” Browne said. “He’s a good guy.”

Browne played football his junior and senior years with the Eagles before playing at N.C. State. Browne has never forgotten his final high school game in which he caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Dez Stewart. The Eagles defeated Little Miami. Stewart, a former Ohio Dominican standout, is now seeking an NFL opportunity.

Kontsis is obviously proud of both players. But, he also said Browne performed well in the classroom. Browne received his psychology degree after three years and also has a communications degree.

“I think of Benson as a Renaissance man,” Kontsis said.

“He’s a tremendously intelligent guy who is not tuned into one thing in particular. I know he is really excited about his opportunity with the Rams and the NFL. Hopefully it will work out and I think it will because of his talent. But, I will tell you this – if it doesn’t – he’s going to be successful at whatever he does.”