Davis selects Stanford

During a ceremony held at his high school cafeteria on Friday afternoon, The Villages (Fla.) outside linebacker Noor Davis committed to the Stanford Cardinal over his other finalists of Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame, and Southern Cal. In total, he had 27 offers to select from.

"I just knew for the past few days that Stanford was the right place for me," Davis added. "All of the schools that recruited me were great options, but Stanford had what I was looking for on and off the field. It is just a great opportunity to grow as a person."

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound defensive prospect explained his decision further.

"I am committing myself to a University that I strongly believe will continue to develop me as a person, as a student, and as an athlete," Davis said.

Another reason Davis opted for Stanford was the relationship he developed with the coaching staff.

"I developed a great rapport with my coaching staff," Davis said. "Coach (David) Shaw, Coach (Derek) Mason, Coach (Jason) Tarver, Coach (Lance) Anderson, and numerous other coaches. I just feel there is no better place where I can further my education than a world class university like Stanford. They are also fourth in the nation in football."

The educational opportunities provided at Stanford were another factor that allowed them to acquire his services.

"Stanford is definitely a school where after college I will have a lot of business schools to get into because of the degree I am getting," Davis said. "I plan on getting my masters in business."

He explained why he decided to move his commitment up to May, from his previously planned announcement date of the 2012 Under Armour All-America Game.

"It is a combination of many factors," Davis said. "I have a strong desire to return my life back to normalcy. I want to protect my senior year in high school, both academically and athletically."

Davis, who is rated a four-star prospect and No. 30 in the Rivals100, is looking forward to his future in Palo Alto.

"I am very happy," Davis said. "I have wanted to be a Cardinal for a long time. It is just great to put it out there and let everyone know that my future is destined to be in Palo Alto."

As a junior, Davis racked up 101 tackles, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles. Showing his athleticism, he also contributed as a quarterback on the offensive side of the ball.

Academically, Davis will encounter no issues qualifying as he carries a 4.3 GPA.