Benton made business decision

Markail Benton, four-star linebacker and Alabama commitment from Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, is participating in the Under Armour All-America game this week. He suffered a few injuries during his senior season and will have labrum and knee surgery in the near future. He wanted an opportunity to play in the game prior to surgery.

"It means a lot for me to be here," Benton said. "It's something I always dreamed of. I am putting my high school team on the map and my state on the map. I am making everyone happy.

"I am really just coming out here to have fun with the guys. I am on the same team with Dylan Moses who is also an Alabama linebacker commitment. I am really just out here having fun."

Benton wants to have fun and also participate in a little bit of recruiting.

"I am out here recruiting Deangelo Gibbs from Atlanta," he said. "We are trying to get him. Xavier McKinney is another guy I am trying to recruit. He was once committed to Alabama. We are trying to get him back on board."

Alabama might miss on Gibbs and McKinney, but the defending national champions still have an outstanding class which is currently ranked No.1 according to Rivals.com.

"Right now, we have an amazing class," Benton said. "It will make us even better if we can get some of these other guys on board. I think our 2017 class can make a big difference. We have a lot of really good guys coming in."

Alabama plays Washington in the Peach Bowl on Saturday in Atlanta with hopes of returning to the national championship game with a win.

"I don't think it will be a high scoring game," he said. "I think we will come out with a victory. I know Washington has a good offense, but Alabama has a great defense. They should be able to shut them down."

The defense is a special unit led by stars like Jonathan Allen, Ryan Anderson, Reuben Foster, Tim Williams and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Foster won the Butkus Award this year given to the nation's best linebacker.

"It's been amazing to watch the defense this year," he said. "It's been great watching guys at my position. Reuben won the Butkus. I am hoping I can one day fill his shoes.

"The tradition at the linebacker position is one of the main reasons I committed to Alabama. It was a business decision. I saw all those guys and what they were able to do at Alabama. I think I can do the same thing as long as I take care of business."

Benton has shut down his recruitment. He will take the only official visit to Alabama on January 20. He discussed the relationship with the Crimson Tide coaching staff.

"Coach Ansley is a great guy," he said. "He is my recruiter. He has been recruiting me since he was at Kentucky. He came to my house and stopped by the school earlier this month. We have a great relationship.

"Coach Pruitt is a great coach. He has the defense rolling right now. He is under Coach Saban. Anyone under Coach Saban is going to have a great defense. He has a great bond with the guys and everyone likes him. If the guys like you and listen to you then you should have a great defense."