Alabama LB Markail Benton Enters NCAA Transfer Portal
Another University of Alabama football player is on the move.
Redshirt junior linebacker Markail Benton entered the NCAA transfer portal on Wednesday, joining redshirt junior wide receiver Tyrell Shavers, who announced he was leaving the program on Tuesday.
Matt Zenitz of AL.com was first to report.
Benton was not listed on Alabama's roster before the cancellation of spring practices due to COVID-19. He appeared in nine games during the 2019 campaign, recording 19 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass breakup. In 2018, Benton played in all 14 contests.
“Markail Benton was suspended from the team,” Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said in April. “That was released earlier, and that hasn’t really changed.”
Coming out of Central-Phenix City High School, Benton was a four-star prospect and rated as the 100th best overall player in the nation in the 2017 recruiting class according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He was listed as the No. 7 outside linebacker and No. 4 prospect in the Yellow Hammer State.
Benton becomes Alabama's eight player this offseason to enter the transfer portal. Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, defensive back Nigel Knott, offensive lineman Scott Lashley, and running back Jerome Ford all have found new destinations at Maryland, East Carolina, Mississippi State, and Cincinnati, respectively, while tight end Giles Amos, defensive back Scooby Carter, and Shavers are currently in the portal.
The Crimson Tide's inside linebacker room now consists of Dylan Moses, Joshua McMillion, Ale Kaho, Shane Lee, Christian Harris, Jaylen Moody, Demouy Kennedy, and Jackson Bratton.
