In the Long County Blue Tide football team’s near-20-year history, they have had some talented players to come through and move onto the collegiate level. However, they have never had anyone move even further to have the opportunity to play in the National Football League.
On Friday, January 8, the prospects of that happening changed as Kentucky Wildcat linebacker Jamin Davis declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Davis, a redshirt junior in Lexington, announced his intentions to move on from Kentucky and to the NFL in an announcement posted on several social media outlets.
“It has been a lifelong dream to make it to the next level,” Davis’s statement said. “After careful consideration and discussion with family, coaches, and teammates, I will be forgoing my senior season to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft!”
Davis, who had two years of NCAA eligibility left due to this season not counting against athletes, has had an incredible 2020 season. He led the Wildcats in tackles with 102, four for loss, 1.5 sacks, and three interceptions, one of which he returned 85 yards for a touchdown against Tennessee.
Those 102 tackles were good enough for Davis to finish third in the Southeastern Conference and eighth in the country. In the Tax Slayer Gator Bowl on January 2, Davis led the Wildcats with 13 tackles and pulled down the game-sealing interception to preserve the 23-21 win, Davis’s third bowl win with Kentucky.
Throughout his career, Davis recorded 144 tackles, five for loss, 2.5 sacks, and five interceptions.
In his social media statement, Davis mentioned his hometown of Hinesville and thanked the Kentucky coaches for his opportunity.
“To the entire coaching staff at Kentucky, thank you for giving me, a kid from Hinesville, Georgia, an opportunity to further my education, while also showcasing my talents in the best conference in college football. You’ve developed me into a better player and a better man and helped prepare me for the next steps in my life.”
Davis joins former Liberty County standout and Georgia Bulldog defensive back Richard LeCounte in declaring for the NFL Draft. At this time, Davis’s projection in the NFL Draft has not been released.