As the week gets underway, Alabama Football is just five days from its A-Day game. All eyes will be on the quarterback competition between Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson, and rightfully so. However, the two signal callers’ top target may be a player who has yet to don an Alabama uniform.
Junior wide receiver Malik Benson makes this list as the highest-ranked newcomer to the Bama roster. The junior college transfer was dominant at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas and became the best JUCO prospect in the 2023 class.
Benson ultimately committed to the Crimson Tide over SEC foes such as Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee, and returns from spring practice suggest he may be even better than advertised. His best trait is his speed, which Alabama largely lacked at the wide receiver position in 2022. He also has decent size at 6’1” and 185 pounds, and could be the most complete receiver on the roster.
Players like Jermaine Burton and Ja’Corey Brooks, who were unable to seize the lead receiver role last year, would be overqualified as complements to a player like Benson. If Benson can truly be an alpha, the entire receiving corps will benefit and could even enjoy a synergistic effect. Benson could also provide valuable leadership and guidance to younger playmakers like Isaiah Bond and Kobe Prentice.
Because of this potential impact, Benson is one of the biggest swing factors on the team. Bama’s distinct lack of speed and explosiveness on the perimeter stifled its entire offense at times last year. Conversely, just one weapon that can stretch the field vertically and horizontally can open up everything and allow the rest of the unit to perform better.
Regardless of all this potential, the once little-known JUCO receiver will have to prove himself on the field this fall. One thing is certain: whoever wins the quarterback battle for Alabama Football will be glad to have Malik Benson on his team.