Alabama football has ace in the hole for 2023 offense

There are big questions about the Alabama football offense entering the 2023 season but Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide have a secret weapon: Malik Benson.

It’s a year of big changes for the Alabama Crimson Tide offense entering the 2023 season. Bryce Young is gone and it remains uncertain whether Jalen Milroe or Ty Simpson will replace him. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is gone, as are several starting offensive linemen. And let’s not forget Tommy Rees coming in to replace Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator.

While all of these changes are ongoing, though, it’s impossible to overlook the wide receiver room too. There are several key returners with Jermaine Burton, Ja’Corey Brooks, Kobe Prentice and Isaiah Bond. However, that group as a whole underperformed in 2022 despite elite quarterback play.

Luckily, there might be a nationally unheralded newcomer who has the makings of a breakout star for Alabama football. That player is junior college transfer Malik Benson.

Alabama football: Malik Benson can be the offense’s secret weapon

Benson comes to Tuscaloosa from Hutchinson Community College as the No. 1-ranked JUCO transfer from the 2023 cycle. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound receiver was wildly productive as a big-play threat in two years with Hutchinson, catching 102 balls for 2,206 yards and 21 touchdowns over 23 games, good for a 21.6 yards per reception average and an average of almost 100 yards and a touchdown per game.

Blessed with a strong frame and great speed, Benson is the explosive threat in the passing game that, frankly, were lacking from the Alabama football offense consistently a year ago. More importantly, he’s improving his game, notably bulking up this spring to become more dangerous in physical battles on the field.

As a newcomer to a group that has experience within the Alabama football program, it may take some time for Benson to carve out his niche in the offense — but make no mistake, that niche is there for him to occupy and do so at an extremely high level.

While the Milroe vs. Simpson QB battle is crucial, having reliable playmakers at receiver will make either player’s life substantially easier. That was another question after the way the pass-catchers performed a year ago, but Benson’s potential and presence help give the Crimson Tide a real answer to the problem.

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