Florida’s recruiting staff has been focused on getting to know the high school class of 2023 since national signing day, but now the Junior College players are getting looked at by the Gators. Malik Benson, a wide receiver for Hutchinson Community College in Lansing, Kansas, received an offer from the Orange on Blue on Tuesday, according to 247Sports.
“A couple of days ago they called me,” Benson said. “They told me they liked my film and said they would be in touch. Last night around like 10, Coach Colbert called me and told me again how he liked my film, and that he wanted to personally let me know I have an offer from them.”
That offer came during the first conversation between Benson and wide receivers coach Keary Colbert. Prior to Tuesday’s conversation, the JUCO prospect had only talked with off-the-field recruiting personnel.
Colbert’s first impression wound up being a good one, but Florida will have plenty of competition for Benson. Tennessee, Texas Tech and Oregon talk with him regularly, and he has his eyes on Georgia and South Carolina as well. Fortunately, Florida was named among the schools Benson would like to visit. The only problem is that he has classes and practice eating up most of his schedule.
A summer visit might be in store for Benson then as he looks to take all five officials before making a decision. With no firm timeline set, Benson expects his recruitment to extend well into the fall but says it depends on how his visits go.
247Sports doesn’t have a ranking for Benson as a JUCO prospect but he was 3-star high school athlete.
[lawrence-related id=78881,78871,78866,78830,78827]
[listicle id=77787]
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.