FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Say what you want about Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman having to share touches with Tevin Coleman this season. Regardless, Freeman has established himself as a player to be reckoned with in the NFL.

At least one player saw success coming for Freeman long ago -- Carolina wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, Freeman's former teammate at Florida State.

"Devonta, his vision on the field is just stupid," Benjamin said, praising Freeman's ability to find the holes. "His first three steps are just amazing. He always used to tell me in college, `I don't know what I've got.' But Devonta knew what he got. He's a great team guy. He's going to come to work every day. He's going to leave it all out on the field."

Benjamin, who hopes to make his own noise this season in returning from an ACL tear, isn't the least bit surprised about Freeman's Pro Bowl showing last season. Freeman had 1,634 combined yards and tied for the league lead with 14 total touchdowns.

"Not at all; not at all," Benjamin said when asked if Freeman's breakout season was a shock. "He's been underrated ever since he was at Miami Central way back in high school. He always stayed really humble and worked really hard."

Freeman continues to raise eyebrows, including sprinting down the field and corralling a deep ball from Matt Ryan at training camp on Thursday. His versatility is a great asset for the Falcons' offense. His ability to line up at receiver and run fluids routes creates mismatches against linebackers.

But for Freeman, it's all about striving to be better.

"Last year, I felt like I left a lot out there," Freeman said. "I feel like I dropped some balls. I missed some runs that could have been home runs. I feel like just getting the big runs and definitely working on my blocking. Being on the field all the time, just work harder at blocking. That's one of the main things I'm working toward."