B/R Exclusive: 5-Star Ben Davis Reveals Top 5, Official Visit Plans

The nation's top-ranked inside linebacker prospect is ready to focus on five favorite universities.

Ben Davis, a 5-star recruit who carries dozens of scholarship offers, told Bleacher Report he places Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia and LSU atop his list. Davis will spend official visits at each school, setting the stage for a highly publicized announcement on national signing day in February.

"I've got a great relationship with the coaching staff at all five schools. They're all recruiting me very hard," Davis said. "I've visited each of those schools, and now I'm eager to get back to them this fall."

The 6'3", 240-pound playmaker previously placed four of these programs—Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and LSU—in an initial top-seven list he unveiled last winter. Florida, Ole Miss and USC also appeared in that collection.

Now midway through his senior season at Gordo High School in Pickens County, Alabama, Davis is prepared to work through a frenzied recruiting path en route to an ultimate landing spot. He expects to pay close attention to several elements during multiday official visits with family, focusing particularly on personnel dynamics within programs.

"The most important thing for me is to see coaches' relationships with the players, how they treat players and how those players react to the coaches," Davis said. "I'll put myself in those players' positions. Could I see myself living and playing there for the next three or four years? That's how I'll break it down."

His first opportunity to explore this facet is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 17 at Georgia. Davis will attend the Bulldogs' game against Missouri. 

Though he's traveled to Athens in the past, it's set to be his first game-day experience at the school.

Davis began to establish a solid rapport with Georgia defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt last year when the assistant coach attended a seven-on-seven tournament in Birmingham, Alabama. He also credits linebackers coach Kevin Sherrer for playing a pivotal role in his recruitment.

Davis' second official visit—likely his last in-season trip—will take him to LSU on Nov. 14 when the Tigers host Arkansas. He made it a priority to attend his first game at Death Valley and hopes he'll have a chance to see LSU square off against the Razorbacks in a nighttime setting.

"I really like Baton Rouge. I went down there one time and fell in love with it," Davis said. "LSU would probably be one of my top three choices if I had to decide today."

Tigers defensive coordinator Kevin Steele originally targeted Davis in Tuscaloosa, where he served as a Crimson Tide assistant last season. Head coach Les Miles has made it a point to sell early playing time during conversations with the top target.

"Coach Miles tells me all the time there's a need for linebackers there," Davis said.

In fact, that's another commonality shared by each of his five favorites. They all envision him as a potential immediate-impact defender, which is exactly the expectation he's set. 

"That's how I see myself. I think I can start and contribute as a freshman. That's a big factor why these teams are in my top five," Davis said.

Official visits to in-state Alabama and Auburn will occur after the season, along with another trip to Florida State. He traveled to Tallahassee earlier this year for the Seminoles' spring game.

"As soon as I got down to Tallahassee, I felt comfortable," Davis told Bleacher Report afterward. "I loved every minute of it. I could really see myself playing down there."

Like his other top contenders, team track record plays a pivotal role with the Florida State intrigue. 

"They're always winning down there. They're always a contender for a national championship with [head coach] Jimbo Fisher," he said. "I want to go to a winning program, and they told me I'll have a really good chance of playing early."

Auburn and Alabama are undoubtedly the least-surprising members of Davis' top-five list. His father, Wayne Davis, is the Crimson Tide's all-time tackles leader, and the Tigers have played a key factor in his recruitment since its conception.

Neither SEC powerhouse started the season in dominant fashion, though he already senses improvement at each school. 

"Both teams are getting better each week," Davis said. "I think they've found their quarterbacks. [Auburn defensive coordinator Will] Muschamp is working hard to get his defense where he wants it to be, and [Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby] Smart is doing the same thing for the Tide. I can't wait to see them compete in the Iron Bowl."

He will attend the Iron Bowl at Auburn in an unofficial capacity, allowing him to return to campus later for the benefits of a full official visit experience. Though Davis isn't yet sure who he'll sit alongside in the bleachers at Auburn, there's certainly someone he has in mind.

"That's probably one my dad doesn't want to miss," he said.

Credit: 247Sports

Despite strong family ties to the Tide, Davis has made it clear he's going to reach a decision that makes long-term sense for him.

"My dad will support whatever decision I make 110 percent," Davis told Bleacher Report in February. "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."

Meanwhile, close friend and fellow 5-star recruit Marlon Davidson continues to push Davis toward Auburn. The dominant defensive end committed to the Tigers last month.

"As soon as he committed, Marlon told me, 'You're next.' He wants me to come down there with him. We talk all the time," Davis said.

Another component to monitor moving forward is his relationship with Lyndell "Mack" Wilson, the country's top-ranked outside linebacker. Several teams are attempting to secure a package deal with this promising duo, and three of Davis' favorites match teams on Wilson's recently released top-eight list.

Florida State, LSU and Alabama each made the cut as mutual possibilities.

"We might end up linking up together for a visit. He's been talking with me about playing together all the time, but we'll see how it goes," Davis said.

There are still four months and five official visits separating the sensational linebacker from a final choice. For now, his focus is fixated on helping Gordo remain unbeaten in his last high school campaign. 

"I'm trying to close things out strong for my team," Davis said. "I'm definitely excited to get to some of these games on different campuses and find the right fit for me. I really like all these schools, so there's a lot to consider."

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.