Alabama's JUCO Pair Poised to Contribute in 2023

Nick Saban praised the progression that Malik Benson and Justin Jefferson have both made jumping from junior college to the Crimson Tide.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama offense lost a key ingredient in January of 2022 when Jameson Williams went down with a torn ACL. The Crimson Tide failed to replace Williams in the 2022 offseason despite bringing five freshman and two transferees into the receiver room.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban identified game-breaking speed in the former Ohio State receiver and knows what the threat of a home-running hitter on the outside can do to a defense.

Welcome Malik Benson. The top ranked junior college player in the nation set the JUCO record for yards per reception as a freshman with 28.6 and scored 21 touchdowns on 102 receptions across two seasons, almost one house-call for every five receptions.

I may or may not have asked this just for myself and @ClintRLamb

I love Malik's skillset and I can't wait to see him in Crimson and White. I believe my man Clint is a big time Justin Jefferson fan also.

Could Bama's two breakout stars both emerge from JUCO ball?… pic.twitter.com/MJ9lOCzXVx

— Joe Gaither (@JoeGaither6) August 4, 2023

Benson's not the only JUCO player that fills a need for the Tide. Linebacker Justin Jefferson out of Pearl River Community College in Mississippi. Jefferson plays with elite sideline-to-sideline speed that could prove pivotal for the Alabama defenses chances at returning to the Bama standard. 

Was Reuben Foster the last true physical specimen at inside backer for the Crimson Tide? At just 6-1, 215 pounds its hard to call Jefferson a specimen, however his ability to play at top speed makes him an attractive option against face-paced offenses.

"I think both guys are sort of developing nicely but I think the biggest issue with most guys is understanding what to do so they can go play fast all the time," said Saban on Thursday about the pair. "I think there's still a little apprehension - and Malik is probably a little further along than Justin because at least on offense, I know what I'm supposed to do. On defense, you're reacting to something. So not to be able to understand what your assignment is and how to react to that, I think, takes a little longer. But I think both of those two guys can make a contribution to our team."

The Alabama quarterbacks are certainly and rightfully stealing all the headlines as fall camp opens, but by the end of the year Benson and Jefferson could be two of the Tide's breakout players thanks to their elite athleticism.

See Also:

Photos and Video From Alabama's Opening Practice of Fall Camp

The Position Group Nick Saban Feels Confident In at Beginning of Fall Camp

What Nick Saban Said at Alabama's First Fall Camp Press Conference