5-star LB Ben Davis high on Alabama, Auburn, LSU

Gordo (Ala.) linebacker Ben Davis is one of the top prospects in the country, ranking as the nation’s No. 22 player by the 247Sports Composite and the second-best player in the state of Alabama. The 6’4, 235-pound linebacker is receiving interest from nearly every regional power, but will the pull to stay home be too much to pass up?

Davis is the son of Wayne Davis, Alabama’s all-time leading tackler and a former NFL player. SB Nation caught up with the younger Davis at the Nike Opening Regional in Atlanta to talk about his recruitment.

Davis first listed seven schools as the ones standing out for him: USC, Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Kentucky and Notre Dame. When pressed for a top three, however, Davis said Auburn, LSU and Alabama stand out.

The prospect says he’s been hearing equally from the two in-state powers.

“It’s really an even matchup. Every week, every day it’s an even matchup,” he said. “Both of them are really good, always national championship contenders, so it’s going to be interesting this year to say how they perform.”

As for LSU, Davis grew up a fan of the team, and had an already formed relationship with the Tigers’ new defensive coordinator.

“Coach [Kevin] Steele, you know he was at Alabama, so me and him have a great relationship,” Davis said. “He knows a lot of people from my hometown, so we have a great relationship.”

Davis was recently impressed by a trip down to Athens to see Mark Richt and the Georgia Bulldogs.

“They’re really down-to-earth and just overall I had a good time at Georgia,” he said. “They’re a great school, they’re on the rise. I like their facilities, they’re about to build a new indoor facility, it’s going to be pretty cool too, I can’t wait to go back and visit.”

He said he hopes to take visits to Florida State, LSU and Georgia soon, with an intended decision date of either Signing Day or the Under Armour All-American Game.