Kentucky reaches out to Alabama transfer, former five-star linebacker Ben Davis

(Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Kentucky has reportedly reached out to Alabama linebacker and former five-star recruit Ben Davis.

According to Mike Farrell of Rivals.com, Kentucky joins a list of suitors that includes the likes of Arizona, Texas, USC, Colorado, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Michigan State and Nebraska.

Hearing #BearDown #HookEm #FightOn #GoBuffs #BBN #Noles #Hokies #Spartans #GBR some of the big teams that have been in contact with former 5 star Ben Davis who is in portal from #Bama https://t.co/b28fIsso6W pic.twitter.com/FWdsuWg27Y

— Mike Farrell (@rivalsmike) February 25, 2021

Davis, a former five-star prospect in the class of 2016, originally chose Alabama over offers from Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Notre Dame and Tennessee, among numerous others.

Listed as the No. 1 inside linebacker and the No. 10 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite Rankings, Davis is rated as the 185th-best recruit in the outlet’s all-time rankings (since 2000). ESPN, Rivals and Scout also listed Davis as the No. 1 inside linebacker in the nation, with Rivals listing him as the No. 5 overall prospect in the class of 2016.

In his time at Alabama, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker picked up seven tackles, one sack and one pass breakup in 24 total games. He played in 11 games in 2019 and 10 games in 2020.

Despite the underwhelming career numbers playing behind other NFL-caliber linebackers, it’s no surprise interest is significant for the former top-10 recruit, especially one with five years of experience playing for Nick Saban at Alabama.

Davis will have one year of eligibility remaining during the upcoming 2021 season.

Should Kentucky ramp up contact and secure a commitment, Davis would join a roster that added both four-star linebacker Trevin Wallace – who was rated No. 35 overall and No. 2 among inside linebacker prospects – and Michigan State transfer Luke Fulton at the position this offseason alone.

Losing star linebacker Jamin Davis to the NFL Draft, along with Chris Oats’ likely absence in 2021, it certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Check out some of Davis’ high school highlights: