Signing Day Spotlight: Ben Davis
Ben Davis is the best inside linebacker in this class. He's one of three five-stars at that position and the fifth-best overall recruit.
He’s highly covered by many schools and has held steadfast with a top five heading into National Signing Day. The Gordo, Ala., prospect has been pegged to Alabama for so long since his dad is the career tackles leader for the Crimson Tide, but Davis contends others are also seriously in the mix.
Georgia is making a serious push. He raved about his Notre Dame visit. And Davis takes his last official trip to Auburn this weekend. According to Mike Scarborough of Tigerbait.com it’s highly unlikely the five-star ends up in Baton Rouge, even though the Tigers are formally in his top five.
Here’s a more in-depth look at Davis’ recruitment with takes from a person who covers each of his major finalists:
“Davis has visited Alabama countless times and has been recruited by the Crimson Tide for more than two years. He is also the son of former Alabama star, Wayne Davis, who still holds the record for all-time career tackles for the Tide. Davis is a priority recruit for Nick Saban. It's been hard for any program to steal away the top player in Alabama especially at linebacker from the Crimson Tide.” – Andrew Bone, TideSports.com
“While Ben Davis may have Georgia on top of his list heading into signing day, fans and analysts alike are more than skeptical of the Bulldogs' chances. Mark Richt impressed during Davis' fall official visit, but the hiring of Kirby Smart seemed to be what really elevated Georgia on his list. Smart spent a large chunk of his time in Tuscaloosa recruiting the nation's no. 1 inside linebacker, and he has yet to relent since his arrival in Athens. Even so, many assume that Davis' proximity to Alabama's campus and his deep ties to the program will keep him in-state for Nick Saban. Georgia may not be out of the race, but to see them win out on National Signing Day would be more than a surprise.” – Jake Reuse, UGASports.com
“Ben Davis is the best linebacker in the country for a reason. His size and agility are off the charts. Auburn is in desperate need of playmakers at that position, too. The only one they have committed for the 2016 class is four-star Tre Threat, who enrolled early. Playing time is key for Davis, but I don't think the Tigers will be able to out-recruit Alabama in this situation. However, the relationship between the Davis family and new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele dates back to when his father, Wayne Davis, played high school ball. I think Auburn made up ground over the last month or so, but it won't be enough to land the five-star linebacker on National Signing Day.” – Allie Davison, AuburnSports.com
“Notre Dame has remained optimistic about its chances with Davis after getting him on campus for an official visit, but at the end of the day, it’s clear that ties to Alabama will be too much to overcome. Irish fans always say that Manti Te’o was one of the greatest all-time recruiting steals for the program. Pulling the son of the Crimson Tide’s all-time leading tackler would be legendary, but it’s not happening.” – Andrew Ivins, BlueandGold.com