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Alabama Signing Day Capsule: Five-star JuCo wide receiver Malik Benson

joseph-hastingsby:Joseph Hastings•12/21/22•

JosephAHastings

On3 image
(Photo courtesy of Malik Benson)

When it comes to recruiting junior college prospects or players in the portal, Alabama is as good as any college football program out there.

This past summer, the Crimson Tide added the nation’s top two JuCo players in the country. Things got started with a commitment from linebacker Justin Jefferson on June 28, followed by a pledge a week later from Malik Benson.

Alabama Crimson Tide Early Signing Period Recruiting Central

Benson is the nation’s top-ranked JuCo prospect in the 2023 recruiting cycle. He also recently earned five-star status from On3, with Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power explaining why in this piece.

The speedy wide receiver committed to Alabama over Georgia, LSU, Oregon, and Tennessee on July 5. He officially visited each program from May until June, ultimately determining on his official to Bama (June 15-17) that his future was in Tuscaloosa.

Benson has already arrived on campus for bowl practice, and will officially enroll at the school next month.

Future Alabama WR Malik Benson Signing Profile

Name: Malik Benson

Position: Wide Receiver

Height/Weight: 5-foot-11.5, 185 pounds

Junior college and hometown: Hutchinson Community College is where Benson played at, but his hometown is Lansing (Kan.)

On3 JuCo Ranking: No. 1 overall

Why Benson chose Alabama (Full Story HERE): “The biggest thing to me was a winning program. Every year, they are going to put themselves in the spot to play for the national championship. As a junior college kid, I feel like my path has been long. Worked for everything and I still have a lot of work, too. In my junior year at Bama, I have the opportunity to go in there and make a name for myself.

“Seeing what they’ve done with receivers, too, is a big thing. I’m trying to win a championship. I’m trying to go somewhere that has a history of putting receivers in the first round. Coach Saban, just sitting in his office and seeing all his rings, I’m like, ‘Man, I can be a part of that.’”

Hutchinson C.C. head coach, Drew Dallas, on Benson’s skill set (Full Story HERE): “His speed is elite. Just his explosion and his twitch. He’s got a long stride, so the ability to get on defenders’ toes quick off the line of scrimmage has really been a big plus for him. I think he really stepped up his production in some clutch plays throughout the course of last fall.

“He was the guy who, when he had to the opportunity to make a big play on third down or in the red zone, he really thrived in those positions. Became a clutch player in difficult situations that was essential for us to be successful offensively.”

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power’s analysis of Benson (Full Story HERE): “If you look at his playing style, it will remind you of some of the Alabama receivers of the past. The ability to take the top off the defense. Our player comparison for him is Henry Ruggs. Very similar coming out, but Benson is maybe a touch taller and a little bit longer. The size and the frame are similar. The track speed is similar and their playing style is similar, too, with the stride in the open field.”

Click HERE to watch Malik Benson’s most recent highlights!

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