Fifth Quarter has learned that highly coveted linebacker, Jurriente Davis, took an official visit to the University of Kentucky this week. Davis is looking for a new home for the upcoming football season and is sure to be on the radar of multiple teams when the transfer portal opens on April 15th. The Wildcats are in need of additional depth at the linebacker position, making Davis a highly coveted addition.
The path to Kentucky hasn’t been a smooth one for Davis. As a high school senior he was an unranked safety, attracting little interest from notable football programs. He landed at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas and after two years, he received All-American honors as a sophomore. From there, he transferred to Middle Tennessee State where he had a standout season. With just one year under his belt, Davis moved on to Jackson State, playing under head coach and NFL Hall of Famer, Deion Sanders.
Despite playing for three schools in just four seasons, Davis is seen as a boon to any team. Moving to his fourth school isn’t a deterrent since every move has been for better opportunities and a higher level of play. As Davis has improved on the field, he also physically transformed from a 5-foot-10, 201-pound safety into a 6-foot-1, 225-pound behemoth of a linebacker. His quickness and ability to impact the game at a high level were on display last season as he averaged just 31 snaps per game, while still being the third-leading tackler on the team.
Kentucky linebackers D’Eryk Jackson and Trevin Wallace are expected to start in the upcoming season, but Davis’ presence would mean increased depth at the position, allowing them to compete for backup snaps. With injury issues last season, the coaches and the players are looking forward to having a proven and experienced linebacker like Davis in the lineup.
It remains to be seen how the visit went, yet it’s clear that the Wildcats view Davis as a player that can help the team immediately. With the transfer portal now open, there are bound to be more twists and turns in the college football offseason. In the end, the best teams will be the ones who can add difference-making talent like Davis to their rosters.
