Over the last several season, Nick Saban has used the transfer portal to reload at positions where Alabama needs more depth and experience.
Wide receiver Malik Benson joined the Crimson Tide last season from Hutchinson Community College during Alabama’s Sugar Bowl prep for Kansas State. And Benson has now been a contributor for No. 4 Alabama all season as the team prepares to face No. 1 Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
Benson spoke to the media on Saturday for the first time since transferring and shared why Alabama was the right fit for him.
“Just being able to be coached by Coach Saban, that was just really what brought me,” Benson said. “And then it’s just a great team. It’s a great developmental place, so it was not that hard of a decision to pick Alabama.
“And the first year, we’re playing in the Rose Bowl, and then we have an opportunity to play for the national championship. What more could you ask for?”
Benson said he was welcomed with open arms into the receiver room as a transfer. Despite not getting a lot of targets, Benson has gotten consistent playing time with several starts because he’s one of the best blocking wide receivers on the team. Blocking is a part of his role as a wide receiver that he takes really seriously.
“This year, my number hasn’t been called as much, but when it is, you know you’ve got to make a play and just do what I can for my teammates to help us get where we want to go,” Benson said.
On the season, Benson has 13 catches for 162 yards and one touchdown. His biggest catch of the year came as a 33-yard reception in the first quarter of the Iron Bowl that set up Alabama’s first touchdown of the game.
The junior does have another year of eligibility to return to Alabama next season and continue building his connection with Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe. But for now, Benson is excited about Alabama’s matchup with Michigan on Monday.
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