Malik Benson describes what he learned from Nick Saban, reaction to retirement

Malik Benson won’t suit up for Alabama next season, but he hasn’t forgotten his time there. During his introductory press conference at Florida State, the former Alabama wide receiver opened up on his time playing for head coach Nick Saban.

“I definitely am just grateful for Coach Saban giving me the opportunity to be able to play for him,” Benson said. “I did not actually think that he was gonna retire, he’s a great coach and he definitely gave me some gems that I can forever use, not just in football, but in life. I really am thankful for him because of that.”

Benson entered the transfer portal on Jan. 3, seven days before Saban announced his retirement. Benson committed to Florida State two days before Saban’s announcement.

It wasn’t Benson’s first experience with the transfer portal. Benson began his collegiate career at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, where he was widely regarded as the nation’s top junior college prospect.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound wideout hauled in 43 catches for 1,229 yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games his freshman year at Hutchinson. Following the season, he was rewarded with NJCAA Division I All-American honors.

As a sophomore, he hauled in 923 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, shattering the Hutchinson Community College school record for receiving yards (2,152). After another explosive season, Benson transferred to Alabama.

In the 2023 campaign, Benson tallied 13 catches for 162 receiving yards and a touchdown at Alabama. Benson was selected as one of the offensive players of the week by the Alabama coaching staff for his play at Kentucky and against Chattanooga.

Benson is excited to take another step forward on his path to success.

“I saw what they did with Keon [Coleman] and he was here for a year,” Benson said. “I saw how they used him and thought they could use me like that, too. … They’re not going to have me limited to just one spot on the field. They’re going to move me around. Let me be a playmaker.

“It means everything,” Benson said. “God put me in this position. Not everybody’s path is easy, having to start JUCO and then going to Alabama, and now I’m here. It’s just a blessing.”

Benson isn’t alone on his journey. Florida State has 15 incoming transfers, earning it the No. 4 spot in On3’s Transfer Portal Team Rankings. Benson is one of five former Alabama players Florida State has reeled in through the transfer portal this offseason.