Growing up, Carrollwood Day running back Robert Davis dreamed of one day playing in the Big East.

His dream is about to become a reality.

"Coming into high school, I've always wanted to play in the Big East," Davis said. "USF was my top school, and I've always liked Cincinnati and Syracuse. I knew that once my first Big East offer came, I'd commit, even if I had an ACC or SEC offer."

And so he did.

Davis, a two-star running back according to Rivals.com, has committed to play football at Cincinnati, he announced over twitter Monday afternoon:

"Blessed to say I have committed to play football at the University Of Cincinnati!"

The 5-foot-7, 185-pound back, who is 1,966 yards away from breaking the Hillsborough County all-time rushing record, chose the Bearcats over offers from Ball State, FAU and FIU, among others.

Davis led the county in rushing last season, breaking out for 1,832 yards in the Patriots offense. Although Cincinnati was his only BCS offer, Davis said he wants to be able to make an impact in the Big East and become one of the best players in the conference.

"I feel like I can make a name for myself out in the Big East," Davis said. "Everyone out there in college football knows big names coming from the ACC and the SEC, but not many are coming from the Big East, and making a dominant name for themselves at the college level."

One of the main factors in Davis' decision was the ability to step right in and play immediately for a program. He'll have the opportunity to do that in head coach Butch Jones' offense.

"The coaches told me that I would definitely be coming in and playing as a freshman," Davis said. "That was definitely a plus. That was a main factor in my college choice, a school that would let me come in and make an impact as soon as I'm on campus."

Davis hasn't made a trip to the school yet, but don't think he hasn't done his research. The Patriots superstar has studied up on the Bearcats, especially how they've used their running backs in the past.

"I was watching film on (Cincinnati), one person that really stood out to me was Isaiah Pead, now a running back for the Rams," Davis said. "I watched his film on how much the Cincinnati Bearcats handed off the ball to them and how much the running back's have control in their offense. That was a major factor for me."

As far as if his hometown favorite USF offers, Davis said it won't change a thing.

"I'm 100 percent on this commitment. I'm going to Cincinnati."

Ryan Bass is a reporter for Bright House Sports Network. Find him on twitter, @Ry_Bass.