Eastern Michigan Athletics

Four Transfers Add Experience to EMU Football’s Roster for 2021
6/10/2021 4:00:00 PM | Football
Brandon Benson, Jawon Hamilton, Cody Nawrot, and Dennis Smith arrive in Ypsilanti
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University football program continues to add talent to its roster in advance of the upcoming 2021 season. EMU added 25 players during the signing period in December and February, but Head Coach Chris Creighton and his staff were not done adding to the roster. Since that time, the Eagles have garnered commitments from six transfers for the 2021 campaign.
Defensive back Brandon Benson (Triangle, Va.-Hylton-Bucknell), running back Jawon Hamilton (Miami, Fla.-South Dade-UCF-James Madison), offensive lineman Cody Nawrot (New Lenox, Ill.-Providence Catholic-Saint Francis), and wide receiver Dennis Smith (Gaffney, S.C.-Gaffney-Duke) are all now on campus participating in EMU's off-season strength and conditioning program.
EMU previously announced the additions of quarterback Ben Bryant (La Grange, Ill.-Lyons Township-Cincinnati), defensive back Jarrett Paul (Brooklyn, N.Y.-Paramus Catholic-Rutgers), wide receiver I'Shawn Stewart (Bolingbrook, Ill.-Bolingbrook-Oregon State).
"This is a dynamite group," said Creighton. "They are here and training. When our freshmen arrive later this month our team will be complete. We could not be more excited!"
A transfer from Bucknell, Benson was a First Team All-Patriot League selection during the 2020-21 spring season. He started all four games at free safety for the Bison, logging a team-best 23 tackles. For his efforts, he was named the team's most outstanding defensive back or linebacker for the second year in a row. In 33 career games played, he totaled 211 tackles and 10.5 TFLs to go along with 11 pass deflections and three interceptions.
Hamilton arrives at EMU after previous stops at James Madison and UCF. In three seasons with the Dukes, he ran for 1,510 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 5.7 yards per carry. The two-time All-Colonial Athletic Association honoree was also part of UCF's undefeated 2017 season that saw the Knights go 13-0 and win the Peach Bowl.
Nawrot makes the jump to the Football Bowl Subdivision ranks from Saint Francis (Pa.). A Preseason All-Northeast Conference selection, he started at left tackle in 10 games in 2019 and allowed just one sack for the Red Flashes. He sat out the 2020 campaign after the school elected not to play due to COVID-19.
A transfer from Duke, Smith played in six career games for the Blue Devils as a reserve wide receiver. Ranked as a three-star prospect out of high school, he was a consensus top-25 prospect in South Carolina by ESPN.com (No. 25), Rivals.com (No. 8) and 247Sports.com (No. 13).
Complete bios on each of the transfers appear below.
With the season fast approaching, the EMU Ticket Office has announced the sale of 2021 ticket packages. EMU's schedule features six home games, with the first set to be played on Friday, Sept. 3, against Saint Francis (Pa). Visit the official ticketing page at EMUEagles.com for more information.
As always, continue to visit EMUEagles.com and follow @EMUFB on social media to stay up-to-date on all things EMU football.
Name Pos Ht Wt Class Hometown-High School-Previous School
Brandon Benson DB 6-1 200 Sr. Triangle, Va.-Hylton-Bucknell
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as a graduate student from Bucknell University...BUCKNELL: 2020-21: As a senior, earned Spring All-Patriot League First Team honors...Selected a team captain...All-Patriot League First Team selection...Started all four games at free safety...Logged 23 tackles (19 solo), tied for first among Bison...Led the Bison with 19 solo tackles...Made a season-high 10 tackles (nine solo) in the Patriot League Championship Game...Also posted a tackle for loss in that contest...Broke up a pass against Fordham and made seven tackles (five solo)...Intercepted a pass against Lafayette, leading to a Bucknell touchdown...Registered 200th career tackle against Fordham...Earned the Clarke Hinkle Award as Bucknell's outstanding defensive back or linebacker for the second-straight season...2019: As a junior, started 10 games at free safety...Finished third among Bison, and first among defensive backs, with 68 tackles (41 solo)...Also logged three tackles for a loss and four pass breakups...Recovered a fumble against No. 23/22 Villanova and intercepted a pass against Lehigh...Three-of-four pass breakups came at Sacred Heart...Reached the double digits in tackles against Georgetown (14) and at Lafayette (10)...Posted at least five tackles seven times...Made 150th career tackle at Colgate on Oct. 12...Posted 100th career solo stop in finale at Fordham...Captured the Clarke Hinkle Award as Bucknell's outstanding defensive back or linebacker...2018: During his sophomore season, played in eight games, starting one at strong safety and four at Whip...Finished fifth among Bison with 52 tackles (28 solo) despite missing three games to injury...Also registered four tackles for loss, a season-best 1.5 of which came against Georgetown on Nov. 10...Returned from a three-game absence to pick off first career pass against No. 20/21 Colgate on Oct. 6...At Monmouth on Oct. 13, forced a fumble in the end zone and broke up a season-high two passes...Made 100th career tackle against Lafayette on Oct. 20...Posted nine tackles in three-straight games from Oct. 6 to Oct. 20...Recovered first career fumble in the 2018 finale against Fordham...2017: Played in all 11 games, starting the final six at Whip...Finished third on the team with 68 tackles (32 solo)...Totaled 67 of his tackles in Bucknell's final seven games...Also posted 2.5 tackles for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble...Made first career start on Oct. 14 at Cornell...Reached double digits in tackles three times: against Monmouth on Sept. 30 (15), at Colgate on Oct. 28 (12), and against Lehigh on Nov. 4 (10)...Tied for the 2017 single-game high with his 15 tackles against the Hawks...Named the Patriot League Rookie of the Week (Nov. 5) for his performance against the Mountain Hawks...Shared Bucknell's Stuart M. Smith Memorial Award as the most outstanding newcomer with Simeon Page...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Hylton High School and played under Head Coach Tony Lilly as a Bulldog...Three-year football letterwinner...Earned two Academic Achievement letters...Was First Team All-6A Conference safety as a senior...Named Honorable Mention all-conference as a junior...Team captain as a senior...Also served as holder on PATs...Totaled 76 tackles, six pass breakups, five tackles for loss and four interceptions in his final two years playing both linebacker and safety...PERSONAL: Full name: Brandon Benson...Son of Albert and Tanya Benson...Has two sisters, Ashleigh and Alecia...Grew up in a military family and lived in three different states...First-person in family to compete in college athletics...Sports Management major.
Jawon Hamilton RB 5-8 196 Sr. Miami, Fla.-South Dade-UCF-James Madison
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as a transfer from James Madison University...JAMES MADISON: In three seasons, he ran for 1,510 yards and 11 touchdowns on 257 carries...Averaged 5.7 yards per carry...Registered three 100-yard rushing games...2020-21: Played in eight games, recording 542 yards rushing and five TDs...Averaged 5.5 yards per touch on the ground...In the opening round of the FCS playoffs, turned a handoff at the goal line into a 99-yard touchdown run when he sprinted from one purple-shaded end zone into the other to boost the Dukes to a win over visiting VMI...Also had five kick returns for 17.6 yards per return...2019: As a redshirt junior, played in all 16 games, making eight starts at running back...Third Team All-CAA running back...Had 168 carries for 919 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per rush...Also had 15 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown...Returned nine kickoffs for 263 yards, averaging 29.2 per return...Ranked 38th nationally and third in the CAA in yards per carry...Also ranked ninth in the CAA in rushing yards per game (57.4)...Recorded two 100-yard rushing performances, including a career-high 150 yards and a touchdown at Rhode Island (Nov. 23)...Had a career-long 72-yard run and a 44-yard score in the URI win, averaging 16.7 per carry...Rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns, including overtime game-winner at Stony Brook (Oct. 5)…Ran for 95 yards in FCS Second Round versus Monmouth (Dec. 7)...Rushed for 81 yards and a score at Elon (Sept. 28)...Had a 50-yard receiving touchdown and a season-long, 56-yard kickoff return against Morgan State (Sept. 14)...Also had a 47-yard return in home opener versus Saint Francis (Sept. 7)...Ran for at least 50 yards in nine games… Had at least two receptions in the four games…Had five kickoff returns of at least 30 yards...CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (Spring 2020)...2018: As a redshirt sophomore, played in 12 games, serving as team's primary kick-return specialist...Third Team All-CAA kick returner...Had 15 kick returns for 417 yards and a touchdown, averaging 27.8 yards per return...Also had nine rushes for 49 yards and a touchdown, as well as one reception for six yards...Ranked second in the CAA and 11th nationally in kick-return average...Returned opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown at Richmond (Sept. 29)...Scored a rushing touchdown against Robert Morris (Sept. 13)...Season-long 18-yard rush against William & Mary (Sept. 22)...Had 49-yard kick return at New Hampshire (Nov. 3) and 44-yard return against RMU...Produced six kick returns over 30 yards...UCF: Transferred to JMU after spending two seasons at UCF, where he was part of the undefeated Knights team that went 13-0 and won the Peach Bowl in 2017...Played in all 13 games as a freshman and received a medical redshirt after being injured in the second game of his sophomore season...Appeared in 15 games, making 11 starts at running back...Had 139 carries for 495 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman in 2016...Rushed 12 times for 56 yards and a score as a sophomore...Also caught 17 passes for 73 receiving yards as a freshman...Season-high 81 rushing yards and a touchdown at Cincinnati in 2016...Had four games over 50 rushing yards as a freshman...HIGH SCHOOL: Listed No. 100 on the Orlando Sentinel 2016 Florida Top 100 List...Miami Herald All-Dade Class 8A-6A First Team...2015 Tournament of Champions South Florida Player of the Year...Florida 8A First Team All-State...Helped lead South Dade to 2015 FHSAA Class 8A regional championship game…Rushed for 1,259 yards and 16 touchdowns on 131 carries, averaging 9.6 yards per attempt...Dual-sport athlete who also ran track...PERSONAL: Full name: Jawon Deonte Hamilton...Son of Demetress Hamilton and Tanesha Toft...Has two brothers and two sisters...Sociology major.
Cody Nawrot OL 6-6 320 So. New Lenox, Ill.-Providence Catholic-Saint Francis
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as a transfer from Saint Francis University (Pa.)...SAINT FRANCIS: Preseason All-Conference NEC...Allowed just one sack for the Red Flashes...2020: Team did not play due to COVID-19...2019: Started at left tackle in 10 games...Made a start in his collegiate debut at Lehigh (Aug. 31)...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Providence Catholic High School and played under Head Coach Mark Coglianese as a Celtic...Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack as a senior...Helped the team break the school's rushing record...Team finished as the 2014 and 2015 CCL Blue Champs while winning the 2014 state championship...Also part of the school's wrestling team...PERSONAL: Full name: Cody Jason Nawrot...Son of Jason and Sandra Nawrot...Has a sister, Bree...Marketing major.
Dennis Smith WR 6-1 188 Jr. Gaffney, S.C.-Gaffney-Duke
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as a transfer from Duke University...DUKE: Played in six career games...On the field for 63 snaps...2020: Reserve wide receiver...2019: Played in four games against North Carolina A&T, Middle Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Notre Dame...On the field for 50 snaps...2018: Played in two games...Saw action against Clemson and Wake Forest...On the field for 13 snaps...HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Gaffney High School under coach Dan Jones...Ranked as three-star prospect according to ESPN.com, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com...Consensus top-25 prospect in South Carolina by ESPN.com (No. 25), Rivals.com (No. 8) and 247Sports.com (No. 13)...Selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas...As a senior, helped the Indians to a 9-5 mark with a berth in the South Carolina High School League Class AAAAA state semifinals...Earned all-region honors after posting 55 receptions for 733 yards and five TDs as a senior...As a junior, finished with 72 catches for 1,180 yards and 11 TDs and received all-region accolades...PERSONAL: Full name: Dennis De'Shun Smith...Son of Dennis and Rio Tate-Smith...Has a brother, Marcellus Sims...Undecided major.
Defensive back Brandon Benson (Triangle, Va.-Hylton-Bucknell), running back Jawon Hamilton (Miami, Fla.-South Dade-UCF-James Madison), offensive lineman Cody Nawrot (New Lenox, Ill.-Providence Catholic-Saint Francis), and wide receiver Dennis Smith (Gaffney, S.C.-Gaffney-Duke) are all now on campus participating in EMU's off-season strength and conditioning program.
EMU previously announced the additions of quarterback Ben Bryant (La Grange, Ill.-Lyons Township-Cincinnati), defensive back Jarrett Paul (Brooklyn, N.Y.-Paramus Catholic-Rutgers), wide receiver I'Shawn Stewart (Bolingbrook, Ill.-Bolingbrook-Oregon State).
"This is a dynamite group," said Creighton. "They are here and training. When our freshmen arrive later this month our team will be complete. We could not be more excited!"
A transfer from Bucknell, Benson was a First Team All-Patriot League selection during the 2020-21 spring season. He started all four games at free safety for the Bison, logging a team-best 23 tackles. For his efforts, he was named the team's most outstanding defensive back or linebacker for the second year in a row. In 33 career games played, he totaled 211 tackles and 10.5 TFLs to go along with 11 pass deflections and three interceptions.
Hamilton arrives at EMU after previous stops at James Madison and UCF. In three seasons with the Dukes, he ran for 1,510 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 5.7 yards per carry. The two-time All-Colonial Athletic Association honoree was also part of UCF's undefeated 2017 season that saw the Knights go 13-0 and win the Peach Bowl.
Nawrot makes the jump to the Football Bowl Subdivision ranks from Saint Francis (Pa.). A Preseason All-Northeast Conference selection, he started at left tackle in 10 games in 2019 and allowed just one sack for the Red Flashes. He sat out the 2020 campaign after the school elected not to play due to COVID-19.
A transfer from Duke, Smith played in six career games for the Blue Devils as a reserve wide receiver. Ranked as a three-star prospect out of high school, he was a consensus top-25 prospect in South Carolina by ESPN.com (No. 25), Rivals.com (No. 8) and 247Sports.com (No. 13).
Complete bios on each of the transfers appear below.
With the season fast approaching, the EMU Ticket Office has announced the sale of 2021 ticket packages. EMU's schedule features six home games, with the first set to be played on Friday, Sept. 3, against Saint Francis (Pa). Visit the official ticketing page at EMUEagles.com for more information.
As always, continue to visit EMUEagles.com and follow @EMUFB on social media to stay up-to-date on all things EMU football.
Name Pos Ht Wt Class Hometown-High School-Previous School
Brandon Benson DB 6-1 200 Sr. Triangle, Va.-Hylton-Bucknell
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as a graduate student from Bucknell University...BUCKNELL: 2020-21: As a senior, earned Spring All-Patriot League First Team honors...Selected a team captain...All-Patriot League First Team selection...Started all four games at free safety...Logged 23 tackles (19 solo), tied for first among Bison...Led the Bison with 19 solo tackles...Made a season-high 10 tackles (nine solo) in the Patriot League Championship Game...Also posted a tackle for loss in that contest...Broke up a pass against Fordham and made seven tackles (five solo)...Intercepted a pass against Lafayette, leading to a Bucknell touchdown...Registered 200th career tackle against Fordham...Earned the Clarke Hinkle Award as Bucknell's outstanding defensive back or linebacker for the second-straight season...2019: As a junior, started 10 games at free safety...Finished third among Bison, and first among defensive backs, with 68 tackles (41 solo)...Also logged three tackles for a loss and four pass breakups...Recovered a fumble against No. 23/22 Villanova and intercepted a pass against Lehigh...Three-of-four pass breakups came at Sacred Heart...Reached the double digits in tackles against Georgetown (14) and at Lafayette (10)...Posted at least five tackles seven times...Made 150th career tackle at Colgate on Oct. 12...Posted 100th career solo stop in finale at Fordham...Captured the Clarke Hinkle Award as Bucknell's outstanding defensive back or linebacker...2018: During his sophomore season, played in eight games, starting one at strong safety and four at Whip...Finished fifth among Bison with 52 tackles (28 solo) despite missing three games to injury...Also registered four tackles for loss, a season-best 1.5 of which came against Georgetown on Nov. 10...Returned from a three-game absence to pick off first career pass against No. 20/21 Colgate on Oct. 6...At Monmouth on Oct. 13, forced a fumble in the end zone and broke up a season-high two passes...Made 100th career tackle against Lafayette on Oct. 20...Posted nine tackles in three-straight games from Oct. 6 to Oct. 20...Recovered first career fumble in the 2018 finale against Fordham...2017: Played in all 11 games, starting the final six at Whip...Finished third on the team with 68 tackles (32 solo)...Totaled 67 of his tackles in Bucknell's final seven games...Also posted 2.5 tackles for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble...Made first career start on Oct. 14 at Cornell...Reached double digits in tackles three times: against Monmouth on Sept. 30 (15), at Colgate on Oct. 28 (12), and against Lehigh on Nov. 4 (10)...Tied for the 2017 single-game high with his 15 tackles against the Hawks...Named the Patriot League Rookie of the Week (Nov. 5) for his performance against the Mountain Hawks...Shared Bucknell's Stuart M. Smith Memorial Award as the most outstanding newcomer with Simeon Page...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Hylton High School and played under Head Coach Tony Lilly as a Bulldog...Three-year football letterwinner...Earned two Academic Achievement letters...Was First Team All-6A Conference safety as a senior...Named Honorable Mention all-conference as a junior...Team captain as a senior...Also served as holder on PATs...Totaled 76 tackles, six pass breakups, five tackles for loss and four interceptions in his final two years playing both linebacker and safety...PERSONAL: Full name: Brandon Benson...Son of Albert and Tanya Benson...Has two sisters, Ashleigh and Alecia...Grew up in a military family and lived in three different states...First-person in family to compete in college athletics...Sports Management major.
Jawon Hamilton RB 5-8 196 Sr. Miami, Fla.-South Dade-UCF-James Madison
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as a transfer from James Madison University...JAMES MADISON: In three seasons, he ran for 1,510 yards and 11 touchdowns on 257 carries...Averaged 5.7 yards per carry...Registered three 100-yard rushing games...2020-21: Played in eight games, recording 542 yards rushing and five TDs...Averaged 5.5 yards per touch on the ground...In the opening round of the FCS playoffs, turned a handoff at the goal line into a 99-yard touchdown run when he sprinted from one purple-shaded end zone into the other to boost the Dukes to a win over visiting VMI...Also had five kick returns for 17.6 yards per return...2019: As a redshirt junior, played in all 16 games, making eight starts at running back...Third Team All-CAA running back...Had 168 carries for 919 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per rush...Also had 15 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown...Returned nine kickoffs for 263 yards, averaging 29.2 per return...Ranked 38th nationally and third in the CAA in yards per carry...Also ranked ninth in the CAA in rushing yards per game (57.4)...Recorded two 100-yard rushing performances, including a career-high 150 yards and a touchdown at Rhode Island (Nov. 23)...Had a career-long 72-yard run and a 44-yard score in the URI win, averaging 16.7 per carry...Rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns, including overtime game-winner at Stony Brook (Oct. 5)…Ran for 95 yards in FCS Second Round versus Monmouth (Dec. 7)...Rushed for 81 yards and a score at Elon (Sept. 28)...Had a 50-yard receiving touchdown and a season-long, 56-yard kickoff return against Morgan State (Sept. 14)...Also had a 47-yard return in home opener versus Saint Francis (Sept. 7)...Ran for at least 50 yards in nine games… Had at least two receptions in the four games…Had five kickoff returns of at least 30 yards...CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (Spring 2020)...2018: As a redshirt sophomore, played in 12 games, serving as team's primary kick-return specialist...Third Team All-CAA kick returner...Had 15 kick returns for 417 yards and a touchdown, averaging 27.8 yards per return...Also had nine rushes for 49 yards and a touchdown, as well as one reception for six yards...Ranked second in the CAA and 11th nationally in kick-return average...Returned opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown at Richmond (Sept. 29)...Scored a rushing touchdown against Robert Morris (Sept. 13)...Season-long 18-yard rush against William & Mary (Sept. 22)...Had 49-yard kick return at New Hampshire (Nov. 3) and 44-yard return against RMU...Produced six kick returns over 30 yards...UCF: Transferred to JMU after spending two seasons at UCF, where he was part of the undefeated Knights team that went 13-0 and won the Peach Bowl in 2017...Played in all 13 games as a freshman and received a medical redshirt after being injured in the second game of his sophomore season...Appeared in 15 games, making 11 starts at running back...Had 139 carries for 495 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman in 2016...Rushed 12 times for 56 yards and a score as a sophomore...Also caught 17 passes for 73 receiving yards as a freshman...Season-high 81 rushing yards and a touchdown at Cincinnati in 2016...Had four games over 50 rushing yards as a freshman...HIGH SCHOOL: Listed No. 100 on the Orlando Sentinel 2016 Florida Top 100 List...Miami Herald All-Dade Class 8A-6A First Team...2015 Tournament of Champions South Florida Player of the Year...Florida 8A First Team All-State...Helped lead South Dade to 2015 FHSAA Class 8A regional championship game…Rushed for 1,259 yards and 16 touchdowns on 131 carries, averaging 9.6 yards per attempt...Dual-sport athlete who also ran track...PERSONAL: Full name: Jawon Deonte Hamilton...Son of Demetress Hamilton and Tanesha Toft...Has two brothers and two sisters...Sociology major.
Cody Nawrot OL 6-6 320 So. New Lenox, Ill.-Providence Catholic-Saint Francis
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as a transfer from Saint Francis University (Pa.)...SAINT FRANCIS: Preseason All-Conference NEC...Allowed just one sack for the Red Flashes...2020: Team did not play due to COVID-19...2019: Started at left tackle in 10 games...Made a start in his collegiate debut at Lehigh (Aug. 31)...HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Providence Catholic High School and played under Head Coach Mark Coglianese as a Celtic...Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack as a senior...Helped the team break the school's rushing record...Team finished as the 2014 and 2015 CCL Blue Champs while winning the 2014 state championship...Also part of the school's wrestling team...PERSONAL: Full name: Cody Jason Nawrot...Son of Jason and Sandra Nawrot...Has a sister, Bree...Marketing major.
Dennis Smith WR 6-1 188 Jr. Gaffney, S.C.-Gaffney-Duke
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU football program as a transfer from Duke University...DUKE: Played in six career games...On the field for 63 snaps...2020: Reserve wide receiver...2019: Played in four games against North Carolina A&T, Middle Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Notre Dame...On the field for 50 snaps...2018: Played in two games...Saw action against Clemson and Wake Forest...On the field for 13 snaps...HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Gaffney High School under coach Dan Jones...Ranked as three-star prospect according to ESPN.com, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com...Consensus top-25 prospect in South Carolina by ESPN.com (No. 25), Rivals.com (No. 8) and 247Sports.com (No. 13)...Selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas...As a senior, helped the Indians to a 9-5 mark with a berth in the South Carolina High School League Class AAAAA state semifinals...Earned all-region honors after posting 55 receptions for 733 yards and five TDs as a senior...As a junior, finished with 72 catches for 1,180 yards and 11 TDs and received all-region accolades...PERSONAL: Full name: Dennis De'Shun Smith...Son of Dennis and Rio Tate-Smith...Has a brother, Marcellus Sims...Undecided major.
Players Mentioned
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