Benkert takes reins

Kurt Benkert feels like he can start to make his impact now.

A couple of days after first learning he was the new starting quarterback on the East Carolina football team, the sophomore from Florida said he could feel a difference, even though nothing in his physical or mental approach has technically changed.

“I was really excited and relieved, and really just ready to get to the next practice and start taking over the role a little bit and helping these guys get better,” said Benkert, last year’s top backup who has seen limited game action to this point. “Nothing’s changed. I’m just a little more relaxed, and now I’m not worried about the competition, I’m worried about practice and the next…