5-Star Ben Davis Says Recruitment Is 'Wide-Open' After New Offers, FSU Visit

The Florida State Seminoles welcomed a collection of high-profile prospects to campus for spring game festivities on Saturday, April 11. The guest list featured three 5-star Alabama recruits, including linebacker Ben Davis.

The 6'4", 230-pound Gordo High School standout drove into town along with fellow 5-star defenders Marlon Davidson and Lyndell "Mack" Wilson, who played together last season at Carver High School.

It was the group's first journey to Tallahassee. By the time they hit the road to return home  Davis was already plotting his next visit.

"As soon as I got down to Tallahassee, I felt comfortable," he told Bleacher Report. "I loved every minute of it. I could really see myself playing down there. I'll probably go back to Florida State a few more times and work on establishing a better relationship with their coaches."

Davidson and Wilson each arrived on campus holding Seminoles offers. So did Davis, though he didn't realize it until Saturday.

Florida State defensive coordinator Charles Kelly cleared things up when the two met in person.

"Coach Kelly told me I already had an offer, but I didn't know before they said that during my visit," Davis explained. "I was happy to hear that, because I really do like Florida State. I can't wait to get back down there."

It's the latest in a series of scholarship offers that have shaken up his recruitment. David released a top-seven list in late February, identifying Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss and USC as favorites. 

Recent offers from Florida State, Notre Dame and Michigan have effectively altered his outlook.

"It's a whole new ballgame right now," Davis said. "I'm ready to consider everybody that's interested in me. That top-seven list was how I felt at that point, but with all the offers coming in, I'm wide-open."

Notre Dame extended a scholarship approximately a week after he unveiled that list. 

"I would put them right there in the mix," Davis said after receiving the Fighting Irish's offer. "Notre Dame is a great school."

He says the two sides have worked to build a rapport in recent weeks. The same can be said for his relationship with Michigan, which offered him in late March.

Though Davis has yet to personally speak with Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh, he's established consistent communication with assistant coach Tyrone Wheatley.

"With Coach Harbaugh coming from the NFL and putting his staff together, I know I would get great training and structure," Davis said. "Michigan has great tradition, and they're working to put together a really good class. I also heard they have the biggest stadium in the country, so I know it must be loud and crazy during games up there."

Florida State's strong first impression also piqued his interest. Despite Davis' lack of a set list of favorites, it's safe to say the Seminoles would be among the top pack at this point.

"Florida State is obviously one of the best programs in the county," he said. "They made it to the College Football Playoff last season, won the national title a couple years ago and had a Heisman Trophy winner. Talking with Coach Jimbo [Fisher] and the coaching staff, I really enjoyed the atmosphere."

Davis described his potential role within the star-studded Seminoles defensive attack, voicing enthusiasm about how he might fit in.

"I like the way they use their linebackers," he said. "The coaching staff told me I'd have a chance to play early at Florida State and do a few different things. I can see myself standing up inside and then being used on third down to rush the passer, which I really like to do. I'd be able to use my speed and quickness off the edge."

It will remain difficult for any program to knock Auburn and Alabama out of contention.

Davis' father, Wayne, is the Crimson Tide's all-time tackles leader. He will attend Alabama's spring game this weekend. 

"Coach Saban and Coach (Kirby) Smart see me as another Dont'a Hightower," he said. "I have a strong relationship with Alabama because of my dad and growing up pretty close to campus, but there's a long way to go in this process, and it's about finding where I feel most comfortable."

Meanwhile, Auburn appears to have quite an edge when it comes to coaching familiarity.

"Auburn is really recruiting me hard, especially with some of the new coaches on their staff," Davis said. "Coach [Will] Muschamp already recruited me before when he was at Florida and Coach [Lance] Thompson was recruiting me at Alabama last year. Now they're both at Auburn, so that's a pretty big deal."

Like Davis, Alabama 5-stars Wilson and Davidson have warranted heavy interest from the pair of in-state powerhouses. Now Florida State is suddenly in play for each standout.

"We all liked what we saw down at Florida State," Davis said. "I'm sure we're going to visit again pretty soon. They say this 2016 class could be one of the best Florida State has ever signed, so I'm really interested in that opportunity."

Could they become a 15-star "package deal" next signing day?

Davis doesn't rule out the possibility.

"We call ourselves 'The Trio'. Me, Mack and Marlon have really become close," he said. "They're my dudes. We do talk about going to the same college together sometimes, but all three of us are probably going to wait until signing day. I don't know where I'm going, and I don't think they know yet, either. We'll see what the future holds."

Credit: 247Sports

Now that Florida State is checked off his list of universities to visit, Davis has sights set on several schools moving forward.

Davis named Notre Dame, Michigan, LSU, USC and Ohio State as first-time destinations he'd like to explore before making a decision.

All quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.