Could a former junior college standout be Alabama’s top wide receiver next season?
Malik Benson, a Kansas native, looks to have an explosive year in the fall. The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder enjoyed a successful career at Hutchinson Community College. He caught 43 passes for 1,129 yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games as a freshman, earning DI All-American honors from the National Junior College Athletics Association. Benson returned the following year with 923 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on 54 catches, breaking Hutchinson’s school record for receiving yards (2,152).
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He took the JUCO route from Lansing High School, but Nick Saban trusted Benson to catch passes from Bryce Young at Alabama’s Pro Day. He did not drop a pass, showing consistent hands. Benson possesses good size and speed and is a smooth route runner. He tends to round off his routes instead of cutting them clean, but that is probably how he was taught at Hutchinson. The coaching staff at Alabama will correct his technique. Kool-Aid McKinstry, a veteran cornerback for the Tide, gave his first impression of Benson in Wednesday’s press conference. He raved about the potential Benson has in this offense.
“I feel like he is a good receiver,” McKinstry said about Benson. “He is very competitive. He knows what he’s doing, and he’s working very hard to be a great player for us.”
Alabama returns Jermaine Burton, Ja’Corey Brooks, Kobe Prentice, Isaiah Bond, Kendrick Law, and Shazz Preston.
It has a lot of talent in the wide receiver room, but people need to watch Benson. He could be the consistent piece for Jalen Milroe or Ty Simpson at quarterback.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
