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Five-star LB Ben Davis commits to Alabama over Auburn, Georgia

Five-star linebacker recruit Ben Davis committed to Alabama on National Signing Day.

Five-star linebacker Ben Davis committed to Alabama on Wednesday, becoming the second five-star recruit to join the Crimson Tide’s 2016 recruiting class.

Davis ranks first among all inside linebacker recruits and 11th overall in the class of 2016, according to Scout.com. His commitment marks a victory for Alabama over Iron Bowl rival Auburn, which had pursued Davis hard and hosted him for his final official visit this past weekend. The Under Armour All-America honoree was also considering Georgia, LSU and Notre Dame.

Ultimately, Davis opted to follow in his family’s footsteps. Both his parents attended Alabama, and his dad, Wayne Davis, was an All-America linebacker for the Tide and holds the program record of career tackles.

Georgia had been Davis’s top school before his official visit to Tuscaloosa on Jan. 22 moved Alabama into the lead. However, after visiting Auburn, The Gordo (Ala.) High product said he had “no favorite.” It appears after taking time to weigh his options in the three days since his visit, the Tide regained their top spot.

According to Scout.com, the 6’4”, 235-pound Davis is “a jumbo athlete with so much natural ability and still so much potential. Better than some think in drops, but likel an in-the-box player on the next level. Has ideal frame to be a big inside linebacker in college with the ability to rush the quarterback and stuff the run. Very athletic for his size and can chase the football. It is not out of the question for him to be a stand-up guy on the edge.”

Davis is the 18th commitment in Alabama’s recruiting class, which ranks seventh in the country.