2021 Lowndes (GA) Thomas Davis signed with the Miami Hurricanes earlier today.
The 6-1 235 pounder is currently a consensus 3-star recruit in the national rankings. According to the 247Sports Composite, Davis is the #514 player nationally, #24 ILB in the country, and the #42 player in the Peach State.
Recruiting Story
Thomas Davis committed to Mississippi State on April 18th of this year and seemed solid to the Bulldogs. That changed when Miami offered a month later on May 18th. That offer and Miami’s staff pushing hard for Davis led to him decommitting from the Bulldogs on June 8th. Miami was considered the favorite from that point forward. Despite a late push from Florida State, Davis committed to Miami on July 27th and has been solid ever since.
Evaluation
Because of his intense quickness off the edge combined with his relative lack of height, Davis is an easy comparison to former Michigan DE and 2020 NFL second round pick Josh Uche. Profiles as a pass rushing and 3rd down specialist on film, showing an incredible first step to beat offensive linemen before they can even get out of their stance. Fierce rusher that seems to be giving maximum effort at all times. Exploits weaknesses in the line to shoot gaps and make easy stops in the backfield. Plays with good pad level to dip under opponent’s blocks and explode upfield. Showcases a variety of spin and swim moves in his ****nal. Technically advanced at this stage when it comes to his handwork and understanding of using his leverage/low center of gravity. Not just a pure agility guy, though; demonstrates he can convert his speed into power at times to push upfield and move bodies out of his way. Impressive athleticism displayed in his ability to play tight end and shows breakaway speed from DB’s.
Shows he can contain the edge in the run game at times, but would like to see more of that on film. Can get washed out of the play if he doesn’t win his rep off the snap and needs more functional playing strength. Will have to continue to improve his run stopping ability in holding up at the point of attack to have a chance at being a 3-down player at the next level. Short and stubby frame combined with a lack of length could become an issue for him against ACC-level OL that have even average reach. Davis is athletic enough to possibly transition to linebacker at the college level and did play there during most of his senior season before moving back to defensive end for the playoffs.
The Team
Assuming Jalen Phillips and Quincy Roche leave for the draft, which is not guaranteed but likely, Miami will have four true defensive ends returning when Thomas Davis steps on campus in January. Quentin Williams and Jason Blissett have spent time at both defensive tackle and defensive end and could potentially move again this offseason depending on depth.
Redshirt Probability: 5/10
Despite Miami recruiting the defensive end position well recently, the room in 2021 could potentially have nobody who has started a game at Miami. This could leave the door open for a true freshman to come in and make an impact right away. Davis is also an early enrollee, which will allow him to have the full offseason to climb up the depth chart.
The 6-1 235 pounder is currently a consensus 3-star recruit in the national rankings. According to the 247Sports Composite, Davis is the #514 player nationally, #24 ILB in the country, and the #42 player in the Peach State.
Recruiting Story
Thomas Davis committed to Mississippi State on April 18th of this year and seemed solid to the Bulldogs. That changed when Miami offered a month later on May 18th. That offer and Miami’s staff pushing hard for Davis led to him decommitting from the Bulldogs on June 8th. Miami was considered the favorite from that point forward. Despite a late push from Florida State, Davis committed to Miami on July 27th and has been solid ever since.
Evaluation
Because of his intense quickness off the edge combined with his relative lack of height, Davis is an easy comparison to former Michigan DE and 2020 NFL second round pick Josh Uche. Profiles as a pass rushing and 3rd down specialist on film, showing an incredible first step to beat offensive linemen before they can even get out of their stance. Fierce rusher that seems to be giving maximum effort at all times. Exploits weaknesses in the line to shoot gaps and make easy stops in the backfield. Plays with good pad level to dip under opponent’s blocks and explode upfield. Showcases a variety of spin and swim moves in his ****nal. Technically advanced at this stage when it comes to his handwork and understanding of using his leverage/low center of gravity. Not just a pure agility guy, though; demonstrates he can convert his speed into power at times to push upfield and move bodies out of his way. Impressive athleticism displayed in his ability to play tight end and shows breakaway speed from DB’s.
Shows he can contain the edge in the run game at times, but would like to see more of that on film. Can get washed out of the play if he doesn’t win his rep off the snap and needs more functional playing strength. Will have to continue to improve his run stopping ability in holding up at the point of attack to have a chance at being a 3-down player at the next level. Short and stubby frame combined with a lack of length could become an issue for him against ACC-level OL that have even average reach. Davis is athletic enough to possibly transition to linebacker at the college level and did play there during most of his senior season before moving back to defensive end for the playoffs.
The Team
Assuming Jalen Phillips and Quincy Roche leave for the draft, which is not guaranteed but likely, Miami will have four true defensive ends returning when Thomas Davis steps on campus in January. Quentin Williams and Jason Blissett have spent time at both defensive tackle and defensive end and could potentially move again this offseason depending on depth.
Redshirt Probability: 5/10
Despite Miami recruiting the defensive end position well recently, the room in 2021 could potentially have nobody who has started a game at Miami. This could leave the door open for a true freshman to come in and make an impact right away. Davis is also an early enrollee, which will allow him to have the full offseason to climb up the depth chart.
