FSU football: Noles land big time potential playmaker, Alabama WR Malik Benson from the portal

FSU football added another big time potential wide receiver from the transfer portal Monday afternoon. The former No. 1 JUCO WR, Malik Benson announced his commitment to the Noles. He committed to FSU over the rival Florida Gators. Benson had visited both schools in recent days. It's a huge win for the Noles on the recruiting trail and their eighth player from the transfer portal. Benson lists 6'1" and 195 pounds with ELITE speed to take the top off a defense. He also has great physicality to win contested matchups. Benson posted 100 meter times in the 10.4s while in high school. He played two years at Hutchinson Community College along with FSU defensive end Jaden Jones. I thought FSU would go with more of an experienced receiver, but the potential of Benson was too good to pass up. FSU wide receiver coach Ron Dugans as experience taking talented guys with little production and turning them into household names. Does the name Johnny Wilson ring a bell?

Benson with one year of eligibility remaining, shouldn't turn off the younger wide receivers on the roster. However, I wouldn't be surprised if this doesn't force an older receiver to enter the transfer portal between now and the end of spring. The main competition for Benson was the rival Florida Gators, and the Noles beat out the Gators for an elite prospect. FSU has taken eight transfers from the portal and will likely add a handful more between now and the end of spring. The Noles will feature a myriad of playmakers in 2024. They have speed at receiver and the running back position to pair with one of the strongest arms in college football, DJ Uiaglalelei. Benson expects to enroll this spring, and experience spring practice, which should be huge in learning the offense.