Markail Benton, the third-ranked outside linebacker in the ESPN 300 and the 44th player overall, committed to Alabama on Friday.
The 6-foot-2, 237-pound prospect from Phenix City (Alabama) Central High School chose the Crimson Tide over in-state rival Auburn and Florida State.
The four-star prospect announced his decision at a news conference held at Central High School's auditorium.
Auburn appeared to be the team to beat early on for Benton. The Under Armour All-American took consecutive visits to Auburn in January and February and even showed up to the Nike Camp in Atlanta sporting Auburn apparel. But a recent trip to Tuscaloosa for Alabama's camp turned the momentum the Tide's way.
The Crimson Tide continue to recruit linebacker at a high level. Alabama landed two of the top linebackers in the 2016 class, Ben Davis and Mack Wilson, in February, and have another ESPN 300 linebacker commit from Vandarius Cowan.
Benton is the second ESPN 300 commitment for Alabama this week as he joins quarterback Mac Jones, who flipped his commitment from Kentucky to Alabama on Tuesday. In total, the Crimson Tide have 12 commitments, including 10 ranked in the ESPN 300.
