While many students achieve accomplishments in their high school career, not many make it into the Stockton City Hall of Fame.

However, one Stagg football player achieved this honor, and his name is Julian Benton. In a rare event, Benton, who plays both RB and LB, has been inducted into the Stockton City Hall of Fame. This honor not only recognizes him for his athleticism, but for his dedication and his impact on his community. 

On November 6, the Fall Awards Ceremony was held to honor those who played a sport during that season and who made great accomplishments. During this event, Benton was announced to be inducted. After receiving the news, Benton said, “I was happy, I was really happy, because not a lot of people get put into the Hall of Fame so I’m really happy that I’m going and I’m grateful too.” 

In the 2024-2025 season, Benton had 701 rushing yards as a running back, and averaged 5 tackles per game as a linebacker. He has received the “Player of the Game” award seven times this year. He was also selected MVP three out of four years and First Team All League two out of three years while on Varsity. While balancing athletics, Benton has also been an honor roll student for the past three years. 

During Stagg’s Homecoming game against Franklin, Benton made a total of three touchdowns,  which he also did last season. He led in almost every category ranging from total yards to touchdowns. 

Benton shows great appreciation for the recognition of his hard work. “It means that I’ve been noticed and that people appreciate what I’ve done, and that I’m not just getting overlooked and that all my hard work has paid off.”

One of Benton’s biggest supporters is his older brother, Gabriel. “I always knew my brother had the potential to achieve great things. “Since a little kid he has really dedicated his life to the game and was always super competitive,” Gabriel Benton said. ” Everyone in the community knew he was set out to be great.” However, his brother is most proud of Julian’s academic achievements.

 “The one [accomplishment] I am most proud of is him being an honor roll student three years in a row, which just tops everything off because it really shows his character and who he is as a person.” 

Bentons dedication and enthusiasm in his sport sparked a love for the game in his brother as well. “My brothers dedication to football and the community influenced me,  I was going to walk away from football for personal reasons,” Gabriel Benton said.

“But seeing my brother’s love and passion for the game and how much he poured into the community showed me how much I missed the game and it motivated me to come back and play.”

Benton is the first in his family to receive an award like this and plans on continuing his journey in football in college. He is applying to schools like Sacramento State and wants to get an education through his football career. 

When looking to accomplish future goals Benton said, “You gotta work hard all the time, in the off season you gotta work hard, you can’t just be taking a lot of time off and you just gotta always stay consistent.”

The induction ceremony will take place on November 20 at the Civic Theatre.