Roster countdown: 11 Story; 11 Benson; 10 Holstein

Counting down the Alabama roster three players at a time. Next up for the 2023 series: safety Kristian Story; wide receiver Malik Benson; and quarterback Eli Holstein.

11 S Kristian Story

2022: As a junior, Story saw action in all 13 games, with most of his work coming on special teams. Of his five tackles on the season, three came while covering kickoffs in the Crimson Tide’s Sugar Bowl win over Kansas State.

Of note: With Alabama’s top three safeties from a season ago having moved on to the NFL, Story worked a good bit with the first-team defense during 2023 spring drills. When the Crimson (first-team) defense opted for its nickel package in the A-Day game, he teamed with true freshman Caleb Downs at safety. Story, a recipient of the Bart Starr Award at the close of spring drills, finished the scrimmage with four tackles and an interception that he returned 34 yards. The veteran appeared to be less than 100 percent when fall camp got underway earlier in the month. With Jaylen Key coming on board from UAB and DeVonta Smith making a push of his own for playing time, Story found himself in catch up mode. At a minimum, he will provide legitimate depth at both safety and money and factor into special teams once again.

11 WR Malik Benson

2022: Benson wrapped up a record-setting stint at Hutchinson (Ks.) Community College by catching 54 passes for 923 yards and 10 touchdowns. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, he checked in as the No. 1 overall junior college prospect for the 2023 recruiting cycle. Benson enrolled at Alabama in January and took part in spring drills.

Of note: Benson quickly worked his way into the mix on the outside in March and April, joining Kendrick Law in pushing Jermaine Burton and Ja’Corey Brooks for a starting role. Based on recent scrimmage observations, Benson, a recipient of the Derrick Thomas Community Service Award at the close of spring drills, remains in contention for a top spot in the rotation. As Benson’s comfort level in the offense increases, his ability to strike for explosive plays should make it difficult to keep him off the field.

What we wrote about Benson upon his signing in December: “Simply put, the nation’s top junior college prospect creates space. Whether it’s between himself and a defender or cushions provided by opposing secondaries that help him take out chunks of 15-20 yards on in-breaking routes that sometimes go for much more after the catch. Catches defensive backs reacting to dig routes only to hit them with double moves that go for deep ball scores.”

10 QB Eli Holstein

2022: Holstein capped a three-year run as the starting quarterback at Zachary (La.) High School by passing for 2,153 yards and 22 touchdowns and rushing for 505 yards and nine scores. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, he checked in as the No. 7 quarterback prospect for the 2023 cycle. Holstein enrolled at UA in January and took part in spring drills.

Of note: As a member of a two-quarterback class, Holstein opened spring drills tethered to fellow signee Dylan Lonergan. In the A-Day game, Holstein worked in support of first-team quarterback Jalen Milroe. He attempted six passes in the scrimmage, completing three for 61 yards. Holstein’s long completion came on a 35-yarder to Brooks, who made a nice adjustment while working against cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. While Lonergan appears to have gained some separation from Holstein, it’s far too early to make definitive statements about Holstein’s big picture viability at UA. In other words, his development to this point is pretty much what was expected.

What we wrote about Holstein upon his signing in December: “Doesn’t strain to connect with targets in the vertical passing game, showing plenty of horsepower on throws of 50 yards or more. Not a dual threat but does have the ability to make defenses pay with his legs. Works his way up into the pocket while keeping his eyes up the field, paving the way for explosive pass plays when things break down.”

Previous:

13 Adams; 12 Kite; 12 Lonergan
15 Turner; 15 Simpson; 13 Moore
17 Bond; 16 Reichard; 16 Hamilton
18 Preston; 18 Hubbard; 17 Marshall
20 Little; 19 Law; 19 Koht
24 Henderson; 22 Haynes; 21 Pope
28 Jefferson; 26 Miller; 25 Hurley
32 Lawson; 30 Campbell; 29 Ricks
35 Alexander; 34 Robinson; 33 Osborne
41 Braswell; 40 Blackshire; 36 Jackson
45 Ouzts; 44 Payne; 43 Murphy
49 Russaw; 48 Hibbett; 47 Smith
54 McVay; 52 Booker; 50 Smith
57 Pritchett; 56 McLaughlin; 55 Montgomery
65 Latham; 59 Barnes; 58 Brockermeyer
73 Alinen; 71 Dalcourt; 69 Ferguson
77 Roberts; 75 Formby; 74 Proctor
82 Hale; 81 Dippre; 80 Prentice
87 Lewis; 86 Burnip; 84 Niblack
90 Renaud; 89 Lockwood; 88 Kitsleman
93 Latham; 92 Eboigbe; 91 Oatis
96 Keenan; 95 Goodwine; 94 Hill
99 Hastings; 98 Burroughs; 97 Perry

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