Five-Star Cornerback Davon Benjamin Recaps Oregon Ducks Visit

The Ducks hosted one of the best young defensive backs in the country for their game against Oregon State.

Oregon's 2026 recruiting class got off to a great start with the commitment of five-star Scottsdale (Ariz.) Desert Edge defensive lineman Tony Cumberland earlier this fall.

Over the weekend the Ducks hosted another five-star recruit in 2026 Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian cornerback Davon Benjamin.

The 6-foot, 176-pound defensive back wanted to get up to Eugene for the first time because of what he's seen from Dan Lanning and the Ducks this season.

"I wanted to take the trip because I've seen what Coach [Dan] Lanning and the team did," Benjamin told Ducks Digest. "It was looking good all season, proving theirselves, becoming a top-10 team in the country."

The Ducks dominated the Oregon State Beavers to the tune of a 31-7 win and the Autzen Atmosphere was electric once again.

"It was amazing. The crowd especially, it was packed out. Everybody was loud during the game. It was blessing. A good experience to have it."

How about some of the highlights for the highly-coveted defender?

"I say some of my favorite parts was probably getting to see what some of the things the players have. They have places to go get recovery, tutor areas," he said. "They have so many areas where they like to get better. All new things that they're adding to the facility, how it's revolved around the kids. It's a good environment to be in. Especially if you love football."

Benjamin has developed strong connections throughout the staff, starting with the man at the top.

"I have a good relationship with Coach Lanning. Great communication, great relationships with my position coaches. I have good relationships with my position coaches and Coach Lanning. They check in here and there to see how the process is holding up." 

As for what has his eyes on the Ducks, it's not the flashy uniforms or the hype, it's what he's seeing from the players and the coaches.

"I would say the hard work and motivation," Bejamin said. "They take it real serious up there. Coach Lanning, he preaches it to all the kids to keep working and really be a student of the game and get better and it's going to carry on the field, especially with how hard they go in practice."

Following the end of his sophomore season, Benjamin plans to lay low and let his body recover ahead of the spring track season. However, there are some schools he'd like to visit once he hits the road again.

"I for sure want to check out Washington. Even though they're gonna play Oregon in the Pac-12 championship, I'd love to see Washington. I'd love to see SC and probably Georgia."

As one would expect with such a young player, Benjamin is taking things slow and keeping his options open in his recruitment. But he has an idea of what's important to him at his school of choice.

"I just look to see how everybody's connected," he said. "Just how everybody bonds just as a team, bonds on and off the field and just great character. So I can really be in the place that I really want to enjoy myself as I grow as a young man and football player as well."

The Ducks have prioritized Southern California for a long time and that won't change any time soon following a strong first visit for one of the region's top players. 

"It was a true blessing to get the experience to go up there to Oregon," Benjamin said. "See all the great things that they have going up there. Especially because Coach Lanning, he's up there and he's running the program really good. It was an amazing experience to get up there and see that."

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