4-Star Alabama 2017 LB Markail Benton Talks Football and Updates Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Every year the state of Alabama unleashes some of the top high school football talent out into the Division-I world. In the 2016 signing class, the Yellowhammer State produced a crop of stud linebackers in five-stars Ben Davis (Alabama) and Lydell Wilson (Alabama) and four-stars in Tre Threat (Auburn) and Jamal Couch (Mississippi State). The 2017 class is loaded as well led by Central High School’s Markail Benton.

Benton helped his Phenix City squad to a 9-4 record in 2015 by just being a regular 6’3”, 245 pound, beast at linebacker. Benton flashed his 4.6 speed in the 40-yard dash running down running backs, quarterbacks, and receivers. Whether dashing hopes against opposing 7A rushing attacks, coming off the edge to light up a helpless quarterback, or dropping back into coverage, Benton appears to be the complete package.

College coaches feel the same way about Benton’s abilities with the Alabama native stockpiling around 20 scholarship offers. Among the many hopeful reported suitors includes Alabama, Clemson, Tennessee, Michigan, Mississippi State, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida State, LSU, Auburn, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Louisville, Kentucky, and Penn State. Benton narrowed down his list of schools to Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida State, and Mississippi State but has opened the five to six.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Benton to talk about his abilities on the field, being named a Nike Opening Finalist, and received a recruiting update.

Interview

Markail, before we get into the middle of all the football talk, congratulations on being named a Nike Opening Finalist.

“Thank you.”

How did you feel when you found out you were named a finalist?

“I went last year but I knew I had to go out and work for it to be named a finalist this year. I had to work for it and it was a great feeling when I found out. I had a lot of fun last year and want to do again.”

You played some quarterback in the Wildcat offense last year. How was that experience for you?

“I’m not use to being hit, so I had to get used to it but it was a great feeling getting to play quarterback.”

Will we see you back at quarterback in the Wildcat set in 2016?

“Yes. I’m doing more of it this year. I’ll play the Wildcat and linebacker next year.”

You have the size and athletic ability to play the inside or outside at linebacker. Which do you like best, inside or outside?

“It doesn’t matter to me. I just like playing ball.”

Are schools looking at you as a defensive end, outside linebacker, or wanting to move you inside because of your size at the next level?

“Most schools want me to play inside linebacker.”

Are you excited about that?

“Yeah, I played inside during my freshman and sophomore seasons.”

Have you been starting since your freshman year?

“Yeah.”

That is a lot of experience you bring to the field. At this point in your career, what are some of the things you think you do well as a linebacker?

“My 9th and 10th grade year, I was more east and west. Now I’m working on getting more north and south. I can do both, but that is something I am working on. I can rush the passer, I have good ball skills and good footwork, and I just like to play ball.”

What individual honors did you earn at the end of your junior year?

“I was second team All-State and first team All-Bi City.”

What are your goals for the 2016 football season?

“Win a state championship.”

You have a lot of offers, how many do you have right now? I counted 19.

“I think I have more than 19 but I am not sure.”

You listed out a Top 5 of Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida State, and Mississippi State a few weeks back. Is that Top 5 still in place?

“No, I came out with a Top Six with Alabama, Auburn, South Carolina, Clemson, FSU, and LSU.”

Which schools have you unofficially visited so far?

“I’ve taken visits to Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State, Florida State, and Kentucky.”

How did your trip to FSU go?

“I had a great visit down there. Coach (Charles) Kelly (defensive coordinator) has been recruiting me since the ninth grade.”

I’m sure you’ve been asked this a million times but, how have your visits to Alabama gone?

“I have a great time every time I go there. Coach (Jeremy) Pruitt (defensive coordinator) and Coach (Derrick) Ansley (defensive backs coach) are great. I have a great relationship with Coach Ansley too.”

How about your last trip to Auburn?

“I have a good time when I go there. They have an amazing campus. T-Will (Travis Williams – linebackers coach) and I get along really well.”

Do you have any unofficial visits planned for this summer?

“Yes. I’m planning on going to LSU, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi State.”

With LSU in your Top 6, what are you interested to see or learn when you visit there?

“I heard LSU, their night games are amazing. I want to get a feel for the campus and coaches.”

Do you plan on being an early enrollee?

“Yes.”

What all are you doing to ensure you can be an early enrollee?

“I’m taking extra classes so I can graduate early.”

Since you want to be an early enrollee you’ll have to decide earlier than most on your college decision. Do you have a timeline on when you want to commit?

“Sometime before the season.”

Do you play any other sports for Phenix City?

“Basketball.”

How did your basketball season go?

“We went to the state championship game but lost by six.”

How did you do personally?

“I did pretty good.”

I’m guessing you were a speedy point guard breaking down the defense going into the paint?

(Laughs) “No, my forte is being a 2-guard.”

What?

(Laughs) “Just kidding.”

Did you get a poster dunk on anyone this year?

“No, I didn’t.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 2.7.”

Honesty, I like it. Normally everyone has a 3.0 GPA. Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I have taken the ACT but have not got my score back yet.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“I don’t have a favorite subject but if I had to pick I’d probably pick history.”

Do you know what you would like to major in once in college?

“Sports medicine.”

Markail, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.

“Thanks.”

Photo credit: ledger-enquirer.com; No. 8 Markail Benton closes in on a sack.

Photo credit: ledger-enquirer.com; No. 8 Markail Benton gets a big hit on a Prattville running back.

Photo credit: al.com; Markail Benton at Alabama.