Gordo High School’s Ben Davis redefining the term athlete

Recruiting Guru exclusive interview with Class of 2016 star Ben Davis

 

 

All across the nation there are high school programs stocked full of great athletes. The type of athletic players on any given high school team ranges from talents that play multiple positions, guys that are just more physically gifted than others, or players who are just faster or hit harder than everyone else on the field.

Some guys are able to play linebacker, running back, tight end, wide receiver, or safety at a high level, perhaps even at an All-Conference or All-State level. Some guys may actually play all five positions for their team but chances are none of them play all of the positions as well as Gordo High School’s Ben Davis.

Someone check his wallet for a bus driver’s license to see if he’s driving the team bus too.

Davis is more than an everyday high school athlete. He’s a 6’4”, 227 pound, football player that will knock a guy’s block off lining up at outside linebacker and is a guy fast enough to take a wide receiver screen 60 yards for a touchdown. He’s still more than just a football player; he’s a playmaker no matter where he lines up on the field.

College recruiters have flocked to Gordo, Alabama to meet “Mr. Uno.” The Class of 2016 star has offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Purdue, San Diego State, Southern Miss, Troy, Western Kentucky, and Vanderbilt. The puzzling notion about his offer sheet is not the growing size so early in the game but why there are not more offers on the table already.

In an exclusive interview Davis sat down for a one-on-one interview to discuss Gordo’s 2014 season, his excitement for his senior season, and how the recruiting process is playing out.

 

Ben, Gordo had a tough 32-28 loss in the Alabama state semifinals round to Dale County finishing the season 13-1. Looking back on the season, what are your thoughts on how the team played?

“This is one of the best teams I’ve been apart of since I’ve been at Gordo. We went through some adversity throughout the year but pushed through it. We took the season one game at a time. We bonded together and created a brotherhood that helped us be successful on the field.”

What were some of the strengths of the team this year?

“Overall we were just good everywhere on the field. I believe this is the first time the football team went undefeated in the regular season in some 20-30 years. Everybody was all in. We were all focused on accomplishing one goal – winning.”

How do the Green Wave look heading into next season?

“We’ll be just as good next year. I already miss the seniors though.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“At linebacker I’m fast to the ball fast, I’m a good tackler, and I take care of my assignment. I’m physical on the field no matter what position I’m at. I like contact.”

What are your goals for the 2015 football season?

“I want the team to go undefeated and win a state title.”

What about personal goals?

“Personally I want to get stronger, bigger, and quicker. I want to be a great team leader.”

What about a stat line to achieve?

“I want to get over 100 tackles, double digits in sacks, and get five or six interceptions. Whatever it takes to win.”

What was your stat line for your junior campaign?

“I don’t have the numbers in front of me. If I had to guess I was somewhere around 80 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, a safety, a blocked field goal, and two forced fumbles. I think I had five touchdowns scored on offense and over 300 yards receiving. On defense they ran away from me a lot this year.”

What schools are recruiting you right now?

“Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Auburn, and FSU are probably recruiting me the hardest. I’m getting a lot of interest from Notre Dame and Arkansas.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I’ve taken trips to Alabama, Mississippi State, and Auburn.”

Have you compiled a list of favorites yet?

“No favorites yet.”

When you talk to the college recruiters what are they telling you they like about your game?

“The coaches have said they like how I rush the passer and get to the ball. They like my range and size, my weight, and how well I can move for my size.”

What is the primary position college coaches are recruiting you to play?

“Most of the coaches want me at inside linebacker. Some teams are looking at me as a pass rusher and someone who can drop back to cover in the pass defense.”

When the time comes to make a decision on where you will play in college what are some of the things you will consider that will help influence your decision?

“The first thing for me is the opportunity to get a great education. I want to purse a degree in architecture or accounting. The second thing that is important to me is will I get better overall as a person and as a player at that school. Can the program help me get to the league? Everybody wants playing time so that will be something to consider as well but not as important.”

What college camps did you attend last summer?

“I went to the Auburn and Alabama camps. I wanted to go to Mississippi State camp but went to the Rivals camp instead.”

How did the camp circuit go for you over the summer?

“The Alabama camp went great. They were really impressed. I got their offer after the camp in June. At Auburn Coach (Ellis) Johnson was really impressed with me. Coach (Melvin) Smith really wanted him to become an Auburn Tiger.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“My dad taught me a lot about the game as have my cousins. My cousins all work out with me and keep my head on straight about football and school. My mom stays on me too!”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“I love the contact, I love to hit.”

 

Davis has the physical tools to play anywhere on the field but more importantly has the mental makeup and desire to want to be the best. In a state revered for football greatness, as a sophomore Davis was All-League, All-County, First-Team All-Conference and Second-Team All-State. The 2014 honors have not been handed out yet. He’s already been selected to play in the Under Armour All-American game next season.

The list of accolades are growing but through it all he is still humble and a team-first player.

When Davis gets to the next level the joy of watching him as a fan of the game master his position against top competition on a national stage will be fun to watch. He plays the game with confidence and swagger not to draw attention to himself but because he already stands out on a field full of talent as one of the best in the nation at his level.

Photo credit: Edwin Virden;

Photo credit: al.com; Ben Davis with Green Wave coach.

Photo credit: TuscaloosaNews.com; Davis breaks off a long run.