Benjamin played high school football at James Monroe High School in North Hills, California and matriculated at Stanford University in 1974. He split starting time with Mike Cordova at first, but took over as full-time starter in 1976.
Benjamin's athletic career began when he played for his high school's football team at James Monroe High School in North Hills, California, before going on to study at Stanford University in 1974. He initially shared playing time with Mike Cordova but eventually became the main player by 1976.