Little League World Series star has surprising Alabama football connection

Alabama Little League World Series star Cam Lee isn't the first athlete in his family to represent the state on a big stage.

The Phenix City center fielder is the younger brother of former Crimson Tide linebacker Markail Benton, another Phenix City product who starred at Central High School before signing to Alabama .

Lee even played a small role in Benton's recruitment story. When Benton announced his commitment to Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide in June 2016, his little brother helped reveal the decision during the ceremony.

Markail Benton stats with Alabama football

Benton was a four-star linebacker and one of Alabama's top in-state prospects in the 2017 recruiting class. He played in 23 games over two seasons with the Crimson Tide and totaled 33 tackles before transferring to Jacksonville State .

Lee has his own aspirations of attending Alabama, but his dreams aren't for the diamond. He wants to quarterback Alabama football's offense, according to the ESPN broadcast.

Ten years after helping his brother announce where he would play college football, Lee is having his own moment in the spotlight, starting in center field for Phenix City's run at the Little League World Series.

Kinley Rasmus photos: Gallery of Alabama Little League World Series star

Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco.com.