Alabama WR Malik Benson enters transfer portal

By Cody Goodwin | 247sports ----

Alabama receiver Malik Benson is entering the transfer portal, according to 247Sports' Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Kansas native recorded just 13 receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown this past season. His best individual game was a 3-catch, 23-yard, 1-touchdown performance against Chattanooga in Week 12. During the A-Day spring game last April, he recorded 5 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.

Benson joined the Crimson Tide last offseason as the No. 1-rated junior-college prospect in the country. He picked Alabama over Georgia, LSU, and Oregon, among others. In two years at Hutchinson C.C. (Kan.), he recorded 97 receptions for 2,152 yards — that's 22.2 yards per reception — and 21 touchdowns.

“He’s done a nice job,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said the Tide's second preseason scrimmage in August. “He’s a lot more confident, playing faster, catching the ball well. I think he’s a guy that can really make a contribution for us this year.”

Benson is the 13th Alabama player to hit the portal, as of Wednesday afternoon, along with quarterbacks Tyler Buchner and Eli Holstein, defensive linemen Isaiah Hastings, Anquin Barnes, and Monkell Goodwine, wide receivers Ja'Corey Brooks and Shazz Preston, tight end Miles Kitselman, center Seth McLaughlin, offensive lineman Terrence Ferguson, and defensive backs Earl Little and Kristian Story.