With each positive report from fall practice, it looks more and more like Ben Davis’ time has truly come.
It took forever to some Alabama fans, but it is better to arrive late than to not arrive at all.
RELATED: Ben Davis has been ‘like a coach on the field’ for Alabama’s defense, according to Pete Golding
He was once a five-star prospect and the top inside linebacker from Gordo (Ala.) High School in the 2016 signing class, but Davis did not think his journey to be an impactful would take this long. He was passed up by other talent freshmen and had to switch positions along the way; however, nothing forced him to give up.
Despite the difficulties, he neither transferred nor quit — which looms huge in the eyes of Nick Saban.
The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder stayed the course, kept the faith, and now looks at being a starter at outside linebacker in the fall. He has been praised throughout fall practiced by Saban, Pete Golding (Alabama’s defensive coordinator) and his teammates.
During his interview on Thursday, DJ Dale identified Davis as a leader.
“He is always at the front of the line,” Dale said of Davis. “He is always uplifting. He is someone that a lot of players at his position lean on if they have questions. He is a great guy and another person on the team who leads by example.”
Earlier in fall camp, Golding referred to Davis as a ‘coach on the field.’
“He (Ben Davis) has worked his rear end off,” Golding said. “He has been in here studying and has worked with the young guys on Zoom. So, that has been a big help to these young guys in that room that are talented and can play.”
He has not only looked stronger at practice, but Davis also appears faster too. The determination to show fans and himself that he was the right choice for Alabama in 2016 is on his face.
Hopefully, he pulls out an incredible season and helps the team to a national championship.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
