Alabama football recruiting: 5 must-have 2016 recruits for the Crimson Tide
By John Buhler
Ben Davis out of Gordo High School in Gordo, Alabama was almost certainly going to play his college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide only a few months ago. However, with long-time Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart leaving Tuscaloosa to go coach the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC East, the inside linebacker is one of the most highly coveted players in the 2016 recruiting class.
Davis is the No. 11 recruit in the nation according to Scout and the No. 1 inside linebacker prospect in the country. He has high interest in Alabama, but also has medium interest in Auburn, Georgia, LSU, and Notre Dame. One can expect Davis to sign with either Alabama, Auburn, or Georgia on National Signing Day Wednesday, February 3rd.
Finding a blue-chip prospect at a position like inside linebacker is not an easy task. Most of the high-end linebacker prospects are better suited to play on the outside as a pass rushers in a 3-4 defensive scheme. At 6’4″, 235 pounds, Davis has the body to play at a high level at inside linebacker in the SEC. He is reasonably nimble, as he ran a 4.77 40-yard dash.
Like Mecole Hardman, Jr. of Elberton, Georgia, Davis is one of the many recruits that Alabama and Georgia are fighting for in the final days leading up to National Signing Day. The Crimson Tide may have the edge, but Georgia is closing fast on Davis, and it seems that Auburn is in the mix for his commitment as well.
Next: 2. Jeffery Simmons