Who knows, but it's worth remembering that a couples of decades ago (before most guys came out of HS ready to play) that most college players didn't see much action their first couples of years in the program.From what I've read he works hard.
Also, he still has two years of eligibility right? It's still possible that the light comes on for him, he doesn't seem to have given up and it doesn't seem like Saban has given up on him. I know I'm not going to be the one complaining he's taking a roster spot, that's not my call.
Before the internet when we couldn't know as much about recruiting, we'd see a guy signed and then we wouldn't hear about him until his redshirt soph or jr. year. This was especially true for non-skill players.
I know the game is different today, but it is possible that Ben's mind wasn't ready for the current crush of info he got from the modern game and especially a CNS defense. So, maybe, just maybe the player many thought he might could be will emerge from the shadows in the next couple of years.
"So you're telling me there's a chance???"