re: Class of 2016 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Waiting On Demetris Robertson Edition

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Former Alabama player never endured recruiting hoopla like his son's

By Joey Chandler

GORDO | Thirty-two years ago, much to Wayne Davis' relief, a tweet was nothing more than the sound a bird makes.

In the fall of 1983, Davis, the all-time tackles leader at the University of Alabama who went on to play for the Arizona Cardinals, was a heavily-recruited standout linebacker at Gordo High School.

He remembers the offers he received and the phone calls he treasures to this day from then-Crimson Tide head coach Paul W. “Bear” Bryant.

He remembers the excitement of being interviewed by The Tuscaloosa News, Birmingham News, Hunstville Times and The Associated Press, but none of it compares to being the proud father of a modern-day recruit.

Three decades later, he watches in awe as his oldest son, Gordo senior Ben Davis — the top-ranked inside linebacker in the nation as rated by Rivals.com — conducts interviews with newspapers, recruiting websites and various media outlets on a daily basis. Ben replies to tweets and direct messages, answers texts and takes calls with ease — all from the palm of his hand.

“I'm glad I'm not having to go through it, absolutely,” Wayne said. “With all of the ways that the recruits can be contacted today, it's literally a 24/7 process in recruiting that goes on, and it's a joy to see Ben deal with the recruiting process in the way he is dealing with it.

“There are some things that I can help him with, but then again there is some things in reference to the social media that he knows way better than I do in reference to responding and getting messages back in certain ways, so it is definitely a different era.”

Technology may have changed the recruiting process, but for Ben, having a father who experienced it first-hand has been helpful in its own way, even if the spotlight on high-profile recruits has amplified since 1983.

“My dad showed me a lot with the recruiting process,” Ben said. “He gave me pointers all the time, telling me the ins and outs. If I have any questions, I know I can always come to him for help, and it's definitely made it a lot easier for me since he's been through it a little bit, even though it is kind of different from then to now. He still knows some of the basics of what coaches want and things like that, so he has been a big help for me and I am glad to have him there.”

Ben is listed as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, which ranks him as the No. 2 player in the state and 13th overall player in the country — as well as the top player at his position — in the top 100 prospects of the class of 2016. He has received 32 offers from some of the nation's top programs, including in-state SEC schools Alabama and Auburn.

The 6-foot-4, 234-pound linebacker said he no longer has a top list of schools he is considering, and he is keeping his options open. He plans on making his decision next February on National Signing Day.

Until then, he'll be busy enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“You have to have fun with it. You really can't let it get to you,” Ben said. “Enjoy it. Take it all in. Meet new people. It can get stressful if you let it get stressful, and I know some guys like that in the recruiting process. (Dad) tells me all the time that I have all of the control over what I do and don't do, so if you let it get too stressful it can, but I just don't do that.”

There is no denying that Wayne would like to see Ben follow in his footsteps at Alabama, but he's also instilled in his son the importance of making the decision for himself, just like he did 32 years ago.

“From day one I shared with Ben that I want him to go to Alabama, but at the same time, I wanted to make clear to him that I wanted him to make the choice from his heart,” Wayne said.

Unlike his father's experience, Ben isn't just dealing with friends, family and community when it comes to his recruitment, but with fan bases across the country vying for his attention on social media and begging him to wear their colors. It's a phenomenon only today's recruits understand, but the emotions they face when making their ultimate decision?

That's an experience that will stand the test of time.

“It will be a hard choice, because you don't want to be somewhere wishing you were somewhere else. That is really what it came down to for me,” Wayne said. “On my official visit down to Auburn, me and another great running back from Gordo, Derrick Knox, we got back to the hotel room and we were talking to each other, and he asked me: 'Where are you going man?' And I said: 'Where are you going?' The bottom line is, that night I just asked myself, would I be in Alabama wishing I was at Auburn, and then I reversed it. Would I be at Auburn wishing I was at Alabama? That is what it really comes down to as a recruit. It comes down to what you want to do in your heart.

“For me, in my opinion, if you don't make it in your heart then somewhere along the line you are going to end up not being happy where you are because your heart has to be into where you are going. If your heart is in it, no matter what you are going to stay.”

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He's a legit 260.

And still runs a legit 4.57.

Man I dont like Pie Youngs film but hey im no coach lol

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John Garcia, Jr. ?@JohnGarcia_Jr 2h2 hours ago
Recruits, ALWAYS know where you stand with a school. Just heard of 2 highly rated kids, expected to make decision, didn't. Now spot is taken

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Wonder if he is referring to any UA targets.

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Bradenton, Fla. - Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian four-star wide receiver D.J. Matthews caught up with Noles247 last week at the IMG National 7on7 Championships.

“Everything has been good. the recruiting process has been great,” Matthews told Noles247.com. “I’m still 100% committed. FSU is still rolling, everything is good with them.”

Matthews has been committed to FSU for nearly a year. He made his decision last July and says his relationship with position coach Lawrence Dawsey has kept him locked in to the Seminoles.

“Man, coach Dawsey has a great personality. He’s respectful and let’s you know how it’s going to be, coach Dawsey is always going to be honest with you.”

This spring Matthews has switched schools, but maintained his offseason regimen.

“I’ve been putting in work. I was with First Coast, but I'm at Trinity now, so I’ve really been training with Pro Impact this offseason,” he said.

Matthews (5-10, 165), has been working on the technical part of his game.

“I’ve really improved my route running and speed. I’ve gotten faster this offseason.”

He’s also taken a couple college trips. This winter Matthews made it to Ohio Sttate, Virginia Tech, North Carolina and Kentucky.

“I really liked North Carolina, Chapel hill. It’s a beautiful place. I’ll get to FSU, Alabama and Auburn later this summer,” he said.

Matthews says he plans to visit FSU in July for camp and again in the fall for a couple football games.

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I'm thinking Erroll or Quinnen.

Hope we can reel in an elite WR this year apart from Darnell Salomon. This would really round out this class if it turns out the way its shaping. Just not sure who it could be.Tee is one prospect for sure. Haven't heard much about that 5star who decommitted from Awburn.Thought he would have visited by now.

PS: Mykel Jones is one I Think we are pursuing,not sure how good he is.

Gavin is 6-3/6-4 211lbs and claims to have run a 4.36 40 time! That is phenomenal. But it seems like he is a lock for FSU. Been committed since last July and practically lives on campus as many times he has visited them. But yes we need that kind of elite.

Keith is the real deal.