5-Star Recruit Davon Benjamin Explains Why He Chose Oregon Ducks Over Washington

Benjamin went on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast on Saturday to explain why he chose Oregon over other prominent programs.

“I chose Oregon just based on the stability part of the coaching staff, kind of been recruiting me ever since my freshman year of high school,” Benjamin said. “Just how they approached the day-to-day basis of just the little things, that’s just checking in, just seeing how I’m doing, see if I’m still working. People to keep me grounded to earth and making sure I’m doing the right things.”

The Southern California defensive back competes for Oaks Christian high school. As a junior, Benjamin recorded 45 tackles, five tackles for a loss, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and six interceptions.

The newest commitment is a versatile athlete, having run track in the past and earning offensive snaps. Benjamin caught 34 passes for 404 yards and two touchdowns in 2024 on offense.

Benjamin is seen as the No. 35 player nationally and No. 4 safety, according to 247Sports Composite. Despite being highly sought after as one of the top remaining defensive players that hadn’t committed, his connection with the Ducks’ staff stood out.

“Really just building that connection with them over time,” Benjamin said. “And then them not putting on a visage for just because this is a recruiting trip. They been who they been from the day I met them all the way throughout.”

The Ducks have had success producing NFL defensive backs since Lanning took the helm in 2022. Most notably the New England Patriots selected Christian Gonzalez in the first round in 2023 and players like Jabbar Muhammad and Nikko Reed signed with teams as undrafted free agents this spring.

247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins said that Benjamin has the potential to be a three-year college player and a high NFL Draft pick given his position versatility, physicality and high IQ.

When asked about what Oregon fans can expect from him as a player, Benjamin spoke about his excitement to take the field for the program.

“A dawg. A dawg that’s ready to go out there and go make plays and put on for that green and yellow and just be out there rocking,” Benjamin said. “After I get that first pick six, we gonna play that ‘Shout.’”

Oregon’s 2026 Class Shaping Up To Be Among The Best In The Country

It was another big weekend for the Ducks on the recruiting trail. Lanning received his fourth five-star in EDGE Anthony Jones on Thursday. The program missed out on defensive lineman Deuce Geralds to the LSY Tigers on Saturday, but made up for it in a fifth five-star in Benjamin a couple of hours later.

Oregon jumped to No. 3 in the Rivals 2026 class rankings and No. 7 in the 247Sports rankings. Lanning now has 17 commits in his 2026 class.

Outside of Benjamin and Jones, the Ducks have verbal five-star commitments from tight end Kendre Harrison, safety Jett Washington and offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho.