5-Star Alabama Legacy Ben Davis Breaks Down Top 7 in B/R Exclusive

Ben Davis may be the son of Roll Tide royalty, but his list of collegiate favorites extends well beyond Tuscaloosa. Interests lie as far as California and as close as rival Auburn.

The 5-star linebacker, rated 24th overall in 247Sports' composite rankings, named his top seven options Wednesday on Twitter:

Davis, whose father Wayne is Alabama's all-time leader in tackles, discussed his announcement in further detail Thursday evening during a conversation with Bleacher Report.

The 6'4", 230-pound prospect plays at Gordo High School, located approximately 25 miles northwest of Bryant–Denny Stadium. 

"We're pretty close to Tuscaloosa, but there are actually a lot of Auburn fans around here and they want me to go to there," Davis said. "I don't feel the pressure either way, though. People try to talk you into playing for their favorite team, but it's my choice and I haven't made it yet."

He appreciates his family's close ties to the Crimson Tide, though Davis is happy to have unconditional support.

"My dad will support whatever decision I make 110 percent," Davis said. "He hasn't really pushed me toward one school or another. He just wants to make sure I'm comfortable with the situation wherever I go."

Nick Saban sought out the legacy recruit early, extending an offer last spring. Davis has spent substantial time at Alabama, developing a solid rapport with the program's iconic leader.

"Coach Saban is fun to be around," Davis said. "People who don't know him might not expect him to be like that. He's a cool guy to spend time with. But when it's time for business, he's about his business. He's one of the greatest."

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

His latest campus visit occurred last weekend. At this stage, Davis possesses a strong understanding of what the team stands for and how he would fit within its scheme.

"They have all the national championships, an excellent coaching staff and very good structure," Davis said. "Alabama always has one of the best recruiting classes every year, so I'm interested to see what kind of class they put together this year too."

Auburn will welcome him to its facilities next weekend, and he expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming visit.

"I can't wait to get down there on the Plains," Davis said.

His interest in the program increased earlier this winter when head coach Gus Malzahn hired Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator. The move paid immediate dividends on signing day and certainly seemed to impact top 2016 targets.

"I love Coach Muschamp," Davis said. "He recruited me at Florida first, and now he's recruiting me really hard at Auburn."

Credit: 247Sports

The Gators remain in the mix despite dumping Muschamp. Count Davis among fans of new Florida defensive coordinator Geoff Collins, who became known as the "Minister of Mayhem" at his last stop.

"My relationship with Coach Collins is pretty strong since he was at Mississippi State last year," he said. "Florida is a top-notch program and school. I need to get down to The Swamp to see more about it."

Davis also expressed interest in visiting Georgia. Again, confidence in the defensive coordinator is a large part of that appeal.

"Coach Jeremy Pruitt gave me an offer last summer at a seven-on-seven tournament in Birmingham," he said. "I like the way he coaches up that defense and the linebackers look good."

Ole Miss is another SEC squad that stands out to Davis based on the way it shines defensively. He admires the way Rebels players consistently dish out pain.

"I've watched a lot of their games and I like the way they hit," Davis said. "A lot of those guys on defense have a mean streak. I like their style."

It may come as a surprise, but Davis grew up a fan of both Alabama and LSU. 

The bitter rivals have each commanded his attention as a coveted recruit.

"I have a really good relationship with the LSU coaches," he said. "(Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele) and I know each other really well from when he was coaching linebackers at Alabama, so him going to LSU makes it even better there. I can't wait to get to a game and see what they have to offer."

Hilary Scheinuk/Associated Press

USC is the outlier among this group, as the lone non-SEC squad. However, his background provides a glimpse of why the Trojans remain an attractive possibility.

"A lot of people don't know this, but I was actually born out in Arizona," Davis said. "I didn't move to Alabama until I was 10. So my experience and relationships on the West Coast are part of the reason why I'm considering USC."

He anticipates going on an official visit to the university. USC loaded up on elite defensive talent during the 2015 cycle, so Steve Sarkisian's staff should be psyched about sustained interest from Davis.

"They have a great history and tradition of putting guys in the NFL," he said. "It's been a powerhouse program. I'm definitely excited to see what they have going on at that campus."

USC signed four top-tier linebackers in February. Davis would encounter similarly stocked depth charts at several of his top options, but that's an aspect he embraces.

"I'm going to enjoy the competition," Davis said. "It reminds me of freshman year in high school. You have to earn your spot by getting better every day and showing you have what it takes. That's the only way to get onto the field."

Despite establishing a top-seven list, things are certainly subject to change.

Davis mentioned Michigan, Clemson, Florida State, Michigan State, Oregon and Ohio State as programs with whom he would appreciate increased communication. He seemed specifically interested in the Buckeyes, adding there is "a lot of family" in Ohio.

"Urban Meyer gets his team fired up for every game," Davis said. "He looks like a great guy to play for. They're the national champs so you have to respect that."

Though he doesn't yet have firm visit dates in place, Davis expects to stay busy on the recruiting trail in coming months. His goal is to announce a commitment before the start of his senior season, though he isn't setting a deadline.

"I want to have my mind totally focused on my team and trying to win a state championship," Davis said. "But it depends on how me and my folks feel when we sit down and go over all the options. It could take longer and last until the end of the season."

He may have crimson pumping through his veins, but Davis remains very much open to the idea of exploring several opportunities elsewhere.

Whether he ultimately follows in his father's footsteps and lands in an Alabama uniform or returns to Tuscaloosa on the visitor sidelines, it seems likely Davis will make a mark in the SEC.

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.