Over the past few seasons, Alabama fans have grown accustomed to constant, elite wide receiver play. Stars like Jerry Jeudy, Calvin Ridley, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Jameson Williams and others all came through Tuscaloosa sometime between 2016 to 2021. Last season, however, the receiving corps was noticeably lackluster.
The receiving unit lacked a true WR1 and didn’t do star quarterback Bryce Young many favors.
The 2023 season is poised to be similar unless someone steps up. That player could be freshman Malik Benson, who joins Alabama as a former JUCO player.
In a recent ranking of SEC wide receivers done by Patrick Conn of College Sports Wire, Benson ranks No. 11. Meanwhile, Georgia, Texas A&M and Ole Miss all have multiple receivers ranked inside the top 10.
“The Tide added one of the best wide receivers from the JUCO level as part of the 2023 recruiting class,” writes Conn. “Benson was second in the NJCAA in receptions, first in yards, ninth in yards per catch, and second in touchdowns. He gets the opportunity to show that he can be a major factor at the Power Five level in the Tide’s offense.”
Benson has an opportunity as a freshman to be a leader for this Alabama offense. There’s a strong chance he is the go-to receiver for whoever ends up at quarterback for the Crimson Tide in 2023.
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