Jarrad Davis

Though Jim McElwain is leading the Gator these days, the fingerprints of former defensive guru Will Muschamp remain all over Florida's roster with virtually all of the team's top NFL prospects over the past few seasons playing on that side of the ball, including Davis, an oft-injured but highly instinctive, athletic and passionate linebacker. Davis nearly entered the draft after a splashy junior campaign (98 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks despite only starting 12 of 14 games) but ultimately elected to return for his senior season. Though scouts love his tenacity and versatility, the risk/reward factor with Davis is higher than most linebackers. Undersized by some standards, Davis has already shown a troubling tendency to get nicked up, missing time due to injury as a senior and most of the 2014 season with a torn meniscus.

in our view

Davis will provide his future NFL defensive coordinator with options as he possesses the speed and agility of a traditional 4-3 outside linebacker, as well as the instincts and toughness to handle inside duties.

strengths

Davis possesses a compact, powerful frame well-suited to linebacker. He shows terrific football intelligence, quickly locating the ball and anticipating where it is going. Davis anticipates the snap well as a blitzer, timing his rush to split gaps in the line of scrimmage to rack up tackles for loss. Davis has the agility to slip past would-be blockers and his naturally low center of gravity and core strength help him quickly disengage when opponents do reach him. Davis plays with an Energizer bunny's motor, frequently chasing down ball-carriers from behind. When he sets his eyes on a target, Davis generates impressive closing speed which results in explosive collisions. He is alert in coverage, anticipating routes and slapping at the ball as it arrives to break up passes. He possesses the speed and agility to handle outside duties, as well as the compact frame and spatial awareness to slide inside, if needed.

compares to

Philip Wheeler, Atlanta Falcons

sporting a similar blend of size, physicality and versatility as davis, wheeler has carved out an impressive nfl career. both are instinctive, gritty defenders who can play a variety of roles.

--Rob Rang, 1/3/2017

weaknesses

The biggest issue is Davis lacks ideal size and durability questions must be addressed with a full, healthy 2016 campaign. There are also questions about his best fit from a schematic perspective. Florida's stout defensive line allowed him to essentially roam the field and pursue the ball without fighting off blocks. Davis can make the "wow" play but too often he is reckless when attempting to tackle ball-carriers in space, failing to break down sufficiently to deliver the sure hit and tackle.

Helped Camden County to an 11-2 record and the quarterfinals of the Georgia Class AAAAAA state playoffs during his senior season

Finished his final year of high school with 114 tackles, 69 being solo stops, to lead the team (5.0 TFL) with three forced fumbles

In 2011, finished the year with 61 tackles, 15 for loss with two sacks and two forced fumbles

Chose Florida over Auburn, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Clemson

Coached by Jeff Herron.

2016

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
6.0	5.0	60.0	0.0	4.0	2.0	29.0

2015

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0