It’s been a long time coming, but Malik Benson may have finally found his home at the FBS level. It would come as no accident, however, as the Alabama transfer has turned the heads of the Florida State Seminoles coaching staff in just a few short months on campus.
What makes Benson so special, and what can FSU fans expect in 2024?
Malik Benson Turning Heads in Tallahassee
Once upon a time, former Alabama head coach Nick Saban worked hard on the recruiting trail to land the services of a record-breaking JUCO receiver. Rumors had it that Saban even personally visited this receiver multiple times during the height of a regular season in college football.
The effort it took for Saban to pull this receiver from the junior college level to Tuscaloosa speaks to one factor: Malik Benson is a special talent. But don’t let Saban be the only one to indicate the talent Benson has.
Take it directly from the Florida State coaching staff.
“That guy lives in the building,” FSU strength and conditioning coach Josh Storms recently told Warchant.com about Benson’s work ethic.
Again, this should be no surprise to those fortunate enough to watch Benson live at Hutchinson Community College. A former track standout at Lansing High School in Kansas, Benson drew comparisons to fellow former Alabama receiver Jameson Williams.
That comparison to Williams was not made hastily either. It was rooted in the fact that Benson set records at Hutchinson CC. In two seasons at the JUCO level, Benson hauled in 21 touchdowns and 2,206 yards on 102 receptions.
His explosiveness and all-around elite potential were repeatedly displayed at the JUCO level. The film told you all you needed to know about Benson’s ability.
Despite all of that, Benson sat idly by during Alabama’s run to the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff appearance in 2023. He caught just 13 receptions for 162 yards and one touchdown, most of his damage coming in mop-up duty.
When the transfer portal window opened up, Benson was quick to find a new home.
And that new home in Tallahassee has reopened up that potentially elite skill set in Benson once more.
2024 Could Be Malik Benson’s Breakout
Again, don’t take it directly from anything in the past. The present is just as glowing for Benson in his new digs at Florida State.
FSU head coach Mike Norvell had some incredibly positive things to say about Benson following his first Tour of Duty with the Seminoles ahead of spring practice.
“Malik Benson might be…” Norvell said, taking a step back from the microphone and fighting the apparent urge to say something outlandish before pausing and re-collecting himself. “Let me say, I’m very, very excited about what I’m seeing from him.”
Norvell continued, following practice on March 7, stating how refreshing it’s been to see someone like Benson work the team and not just the field.
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“It’s easy to go out there and see how fast he is and how good he moves,” Norvell said. “But the embrace for his teammates, the embrace for (him) being an encourager, that’s what’s exciting.”
And that’s what it was like for Benson during his time at Hutchinson when he was a record-breaking receiver just over a year ago. Following Norvell’s excitement to discuss Benson’s all-around ability, it’s safe to say Benson’s turning the right heads with his on-field ability and his ability off the field all the same.
And it’s that fact that should leave FSU fans excited for a potential breakout year from Benson.
Ready to track all the movement with the college football transfer portal? Want to preview the latest positional rankings for returning college athletes? College Football Network has you covered with that and more!