Battle lines drawn
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AUBURN, Ala. | Markail Benton has about a year before he plans to choose a school.
But it could come down to an Auburn-Alabama decision for the 2017 Rivals100 linebacker from Central in Phenix City, Ala. He currently has the in-state rivals as his top two schools with Florida State still in the mix.
Benton, 6-foot-2 and 227 pounds, said if it comes down to the Tigers and Tide, it's going to be a tough decision.
"Both schools have good coaches and both got big campuses. Both teams win," Benton said.
If Auburn has an edge, it's the number of times Benton has visited, which he estimated to be around 20 over the past few years. Saturday, he was in Auburn for a cookout.
He spent a lot of time with Auburn assistant coaches Will Muschamp and Rhett Lashlee.
"I've got to know them pretty well. They all talk good stuff," Benton said. "They told me to take my time and to keep coming to visit the school and see what I like."
Benton had a little video session with Muschamp.
"He's a cool guy," Benton said. "From what he showed today, I would be moving around. Sometimes I would be in front of the center, sometimes I would be on the outside. I think it's a good plan."
Benton also likes that Auburn has his major, sports management.
Still, Benton has plenty of time to continue to evaluate and visit his top schools before making a final decision.
"I'm going to graduate early so probably around this time next year, around our first game," he said.
