The Florida State Seminoles are poised for a restart after an ACC championship season that produced multiple NFL prospects for the upcoming draft. There will be a changing of the guard at the wideout position heading into 2024 as stars like receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson take the next steps in their careers.
Malik Benson, a transfer from Alabama, has shown flashes throughout spring training and is in prime position to elevate himself on the depth chart alongside Destin Hill, Hykeem Williams, Darrion Williamson and Kentron Poynter.
READ MORE: FSU football legend returns to Tallahassee as defensive analyst
Benson recently spoke to Battle's End magazine about his transition from a powerhouse school like Alabama. He said he likes Florida State's locker room and culture better than the one he left in Tuscaloosa.
“I'm going to be real. I like this locker room a lot more because of the relationships. When I walked in, everyone welcomed me with open arms. It was really cool.” Benson said of the Seminoles' locker. room. “I ended up transferring in. I don't really know anyone, but my locker buddies are like, 'Brother, let's go get something to eat.'” “I don't know them. I’m not trying to come out of my shell, but they let me do it, and I’m really grateful for that.”
Many current and former players praise the culture that head coach Mike Norvell has built in Tallahassee, one that emphasizes the need for work and progression, and that receivers, tight ends and running backs Must participate in additional roles and block for teammates.
“There's a real sense of pride in watching your other teammates eat, so it's not like any job is bigger than any other,” Benson continued. “For my teammates to do what they're supposed to do, I had to block for them, especially just running backs and like you said, 'No block, no lock.' .”
Benson's journey to suiting up in garnet and gold has been an interesting one. At the junior college level he spent two years before transferring to Alabama and eventually to Florida State University. Even before he played for the Crimson Tide, Norvell knew he would someday play at FSU, he said.
“The funniest thing was when I got scouted by JUCO, I remember talking to Coach Norvell. He always said, 'You might not want to come to Florida State now, but someday He's going to play for me.'' “Then it all came around, and to see me actually playing for him, it really just happened.'' It was crazy.”
See Benson along with other wide receivers at the annual Garnet and Gold Spring Showcase on April 20 from 4 p.m.
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