By GA Tech insider

August 19, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

I seem to recall Warrick Dunn was also told he was too small to play D-1 football, and I think he turned out just fine, thank you.

Jonathan, don’t let the skeptics hold you down. Use their doubts to make you stronger and show them what kind of a true champion you really are.

Your family and Coach Stephens have done a great job in preparing you for the next level, and I have no doubt that you will excel, no matter what any one else may say.

Best of luck.

By Robert

August 19, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Darren Sproles(Chargers) London Fletcher (Redskins) Doug Flutie (NFL-retired, Heisman) Drew Brees (Saints) Troy Smith (Ravens-Heisman) Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville)

Shall I go on!?

By Robert

August 19, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Darren Sproles(Chargers) London Fletcher (Redskins) Doug Flutie (NFL-retired, Heisman) Drew Brees (Saints) Troy Smith (Ravens-Heisman) Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville)

Shall I go on!?

By Robert

August 19, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Darren Sproles(Chargers) London Fletcher (Redskins) Doug Flutie (NFL-retired, Heisman) Drew Brees (Saints) Troy Smith (Ravens-Heisman) Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville)

Shall I go on!?

By Greg

August 19, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

dont forget Jesse “the hammer” Tuggle, Reggie Sanders and the many other so called “under sized nfl greats. Heart is what matters.

By Greg

August 19, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

dont forget Jesse “the hammer” Tuggle, Reggie Sanders and the many other so called “under sized nfl greats. Heart is what matters.

By EB Mizzou

August 19, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

I think similar things were said about Rennie Curran (sp?) and that kid looks like a star. And who knows? He may grow an inch or two and will certainly get bigger and stronger.

By dtruth

August 19, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

I have seen this kid play and I am as unbiased as they come. This kid will make many believers out of those that question his ability based on his height. They will regret it in the end. He is a great player period.

By KC

August 19, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Send Davis to GT. We’ll take him. The guy can flat out play. PERIOD!!!

By BigP

August 19, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Where did the term “get offered” come from? Or “they are going to offer him”? What’s this whole process sound too hip-hop or too much slang. Why can’t stories be written in plain, understandable english with good sentences and punctuation?

This student has scholarship offers from at least 3 major universities and he is whining? Sounds to me like he is just a little spoiled that he isn’t getting hundreds. It’s hard to feel sorry for the runt.

By Dan

August 19, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

There is only one reason that Davis isn’t getting “looks” from the major schools- GRADES. Get them in line and that will change.

By Daniel Webster

August 19, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Dan…your grades must not have been exactly cloud level yourself. It seems Davis is interested in getting offers from SEC powerhouse programs like LSU, Florida, Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia.

And as a UGA grad, I can certainly attest to the low academic requirements. (Shoot I bought cliff notes to avoid lectures and only showed up on test days…but I had one hell of a time!!!).

If he truly has offers from Penn State he has the requirements needed for any of these programs.

By BigP

August 19, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Dan,

If true that’s a great point. That’s why they call it a “scholarship”!

By joe

August 19, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

You can’t teach speed and tenacity. Tim Skipper played MLB at Fresno State at 5’6 or 5’7. Great college player, 4 year starter, and All-WAC selection multiple times.

By J

August 19, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Daniel—UGA’s changed even for standards on athletes. Your days are long in the past and it takes much more to get in school here. I also have met Jonathan and do some writing for another site… his problem is his grades. That’s why he won’t go to Tech or UGA. Trust me, UGA is turning many away because of this in the last two years. It’s surprising but very true. Remember Josh Jarboe—he did NOT have real offers from Tech and UGA, because of grades-that’s why he chose OU. Now, schools can always use exceptions and get a couple every few years from the NCAA—Tech even uses a few of these but schools with academic stds are very particular with these.

By HALL

August 19, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

A KID NAMED JONATHAN AT ST PIUS IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM BECAUSE OF HIS STATURE. IF A KID CAN PLAY HE CAN PLAY AT ANY LEVEL. LAST YEAR BOTH JONATHANS’ PLAYED IN 6-AAAA AND PERFORMED WELL AGAINST A LOT OF THE OTHER KIDS WHO ARE GETTING D1 SCHOLARSHIPS. REMEMBER THIS DIVISION WAS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE TOUGHEST IN THE STATE.

By HALL

August 19, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

A KID NAMED JONATHAN AT ST PIUS IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM BECAUSE OF HIS STATURE. IF A KID CAN PLAY HE CAN PLAY AT ANY LEVEL. LAST YEAR BOTH JONATHANS’ PLAYED IN 6-AAAA AND PERFORMED WELL AGAINST A LOT OF THE OTHER KIDS WHO ARE GETTING D1 SCHOLARSHIPS. REMEMBER THIS DIVISION WAS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE TOUGHEST IN THE STATE.

By Milo H.

August 19, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Has there been a scholarship-worthy linebacker in major college football who was 5’7” or shorter in the last thirty years? If I were a fan of South Carolina, Oklahoma State or Penn State, I’d be concerned about who we’re offering scholarships to.
Young fellow, either take what’s offered or go walk on somewhere. In any event, get on with your life.

By You got to be kidding me

August 19, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

There is a reason college scouts get paid the money that they do… its because they evaluate players and how they might fit into their schools program. Whether its height, grades, lack of need at the position, or lack of confidence in moving the player to another position… there is no sense in wasting a scholarship. Unfortunately for Mr. Davis, many of the SEC powerhouses that have been referred to have quite a bit of depth at LB. He has been given offers from very fine, prestigious D-1 institutions… choose you favorite from those and go on and have a great career and get a fantastic education! Best of luck!

By EagleNationRising

August 19, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Some of you Atlanta metor football loving reporters kill me. Size matters in football, especially for a linebacker. If anyone is saying that Jonathan Davis is Warrick Dunn, you are fouling yourself. Dunn’s HS team would not have folded as Davis’ Tucker Tigers did against Northside last year at the Dome.

Georgia has already decided on a fine running back in Washuan Ealey from Emanuel County, who I would take 100 times out of 100 times over Davis. Davis is not going to play LB in Athens or any other SEC program at 5’7”…not now, not ever!

I will add that Georgia has freshman RB Caleb King, who was the top RB in America in 2006, and 2007 HS All-America RB Richard Samuel from Cartersville, along with Ealey, who can rewrite the record books here in Georgia.

It sounds to me that those sympathetic to Tucker HS (I remember all of that crying coming from DeKalb County when our Northside Eagles cracked them in the Georgia Dome during last year’s semifinals) are reaching here. My guess is other programs like Georgia and other SEC programs have all of the pieces they need at RB. I am not in the postion to comment about this young man’s grades. I don’t know them. I do know that 5’7” players do not play LB in the SEC, Big 12, or any other real conference.

If anyone is going to say that 5’7” linebackers are successful in the SEC, you are probably a 5’6” man who believes in unicorns.

By MAD DOG

August 19, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

To everyone who does not know: This kid is already qualified under NCAA guidelines. His size is in question only to the schools who are looking for linebackers. Penn State, S.Carolina, Clemson, Ok State and Louisville are all looking at him to play safety. Ala Bob Sanders. They are the same size. To the people who say the kid should take whatever he can and be happy, you have never played the game. If you had, then you would understand. As for Eagle Nation Rising, you guys won in the Dome, but do not blame the Tucker kids for the loss. They did not call the plays nor were they allowed to make nessary adjustments. If you know or understand the game then no more needs to be said. But they did send 12 kid to college. How many did your team send? Or, will what they did in high for the next 50 years? school be the only thing they will have to talk about. To win is fun but moving on to the next level is the goal.

By MAD DOG

August 19, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

To everyone who does not know: This kid is already qualified under NCAA guidelines. His size is in question only to the schools who are looking for linebackers. Penn State, S.Carolina, Clemson, Ok State and Louisville are all looking at him to play safety. Ala Bob Sanders. They are the same size. To the people who say the kid should take whatever he can and be happy, you have never played the game. If you had, then you would understand. As for Eagle Nation Rising, you guys won in the Dome, but do not blame the Tucker kids for the loss. They did not call the plays nor were they allowed to make nessary adjustments. If you know or understand the game then no more needs to be said. But they did send 12 kid to college. How many did your team send? Or, will what they did in high school be the only thing they will have to talk about for the nex 50 years. To win is fun but moving on to the next level is the goal.

Sorry, I had to re-post. There was a sentence out of place.

By J

August 19, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Just because he’s qualified doesn’t mean he gets offered by schools with a little higher academic stds for their athletes a la Tech not going after Davis anymore. UGA also wasn’t ever serious with him because he wasn’t worth an exception to them.

By slalom1

August 19, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Has everyone forgotton about Sam Olajabutu formerly, from LaGrange who was a 2 time, First Team All-Sec LB at Arkansas? Olajabutu played at 5’8, 227 lbs. He is currently on the roster at Tampa Bay. While at LG, he was listed at 203 lbs. True, his height, (or lack of) is an obstacle, but not one which cannot be overcome if the talent and the desire is there. Good luck, Jonathon. I will be puling for you.

By mike

August 19, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

jd dude dont listen to that crap. u know your the best linebacker in the state. and if they dont like that ur 5’7 then forget them. they missin out.

TUC’09

By House

August 19, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

Use the doubts as motivation. They cant question what is in your heart. Sounds like you have some respect to earn. Accept the challenge and have fun with it. I wish you the best.

By Bryson

August 19, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Height really does not matter. We have kids on our team who are short as Gary Coleman but can knock you out. More power to you brother. Keep laying the wood.

By Bryson

August 19, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Height really does not matter. We have kids on our team who are short as Gary Coleman but can knock you out. More power to you brother. Keep laying the wood.

By Ga.HS Football Fan

August 19, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Jonathan Davis, please attend a school that wants you for you not for wishing you were at least 3” taller. They are lying. There’s a kid at Banneker who is 5’11” and they are telling him they wish he was 1 or 2 inches taller. Banneker also has a short RB that is being overlooked because of his stature. He is being considered and has some offers but not many. Most schools are very hesitant because of his height 5’6”, but the kid plays like he is a six footer. He is one of AJC’s Ga. 150.

Therefore, Jonathan go where you would be appreciated.

I am a big dawg fan, but I would not recommend any running back, regardless of their size or height to attend UGA. In Dooley days, UGA went after all the top QB’s, then changed their position. Now, UGA is going after every top RB in the state. Remember kids, all of you good RBs cannot and will not get the opportunity at UGA at running back. Choose wisely before committing to UGA.

By Clubhouse

August 20, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

JD has grade issues, character issues and height issues. That is a bad combination and the word get’s around to the coaches. He can play LB successfully in HS because of his speed but in college everyone has speed. The most he will be is a punt returner and he probably can be a great one at the college level but he is not going anywhere playing LB or Safety, especially not in the SEC.

By maxxisdawg

August 20, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

first of all i’d like to say the kid is nowhere near a tray blackmon. second of all, being that small does matter at the LB position. he will be getting blocked by huge linemen. also, someone said that warrick was told that he was too small, that is incorrect. dunn was the #1 RB in the country, everybody wanted him. i saw the kid play and wasnt that impressed. NS WR did whatever they wanted with him in the second half of that dome game.

By Ogeechee Dawg

August 20, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this

Two things:

First: Jonathon - keep doing what you are doing - you will be fine and we all wish you the best. You apparently have talent, physical skill - and most important - a big heart. Take advantage of the scholarships that are offered to you and get a great education!!! You are blessed - there are a lot of young adults that wish they were in your shoes!!!

Second: In response to GA HS Football Fan above - you sir - are a complete dumba$$. What exactly are your trying to pull by saying “I am a big Dawg fan” then trash the Dawgs regarding the running back postion.

I am calling you out - You are a fake - probably a Tech fan or some other school - posing as a Dawg fan to legitimaze your arguement.

I AMa dawg fan and know that we have recruited brilliantly at the RB position - primarily with Georgia born and bred running backs - and stepped outside to pick up talent during years that we had to.

Check out the recruting years and depth chart:

2009: W. Ealey (GA) rated top back in the state.

2008 - D. Jackson (GA) and R. Samuel (GA). Rated as the top two backs in the state and both have national acclaim. Carlotn Thomas (FL) only 5’ 7” - faster than J. Davis - more of a third down and punt return specialist.

2007 - Caleb King (GA) - rated as the top back in the state.

2006 - Knowshon Moreno (NJ) - rated as #9 back in nation, Shaun Chappas (FL) and Fred Munzenaier (GA). Shaun and Fred both Full backs.

2005 - NO backs recurited

2004 - Thomas Brown (GA) , B. Southerland (GA), Danny Ware (GA)

2003 - Kregg Lumpkin (GA) rated top back in the state.

J. Davis is an excellent RB and LB - but is not tall enough to be LB at D1 SEC level.

However, he is a legitimate RB prospect - very good back - legit D1. But this is a deep year for backs.

UGA’s issue is that we are all ready very deep at the RB position. Needed to pick up only one RB this year - and targeted the number one back in the state in W. Ealey.

Be a man and be honest when you blog.

Go Dawgs

By DAVIL

August 20, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this

Do they make PLATFORM CLEATS or taller helmets?

By Ga.HS Football Fan

August 20, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this

Ogeechee Dawg, I am being honest about the situation. Just because you are a dawg fan, please sir do not be blinded by the truth. As the old saying goes, “a hit dog will holla”; therefore, you are aware Ga. recruits too many running backs. I never said Ga. does not have a great core of running backs. They will always continue that tradition. I am only stating, sir, running backs who consider UGA as well as any other school, do your homework.

By fan

August 20, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Height didn’t stop Sam Mills

By Dekalb Football

August 20, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Davis is as great a football player as anyone in the state. However, he has issues with his character, and this is unfortunate. The ball is in his court. Coach Stephens is a blessing for Davis. I for one hope JD proves ALL YOU DOUBTERS WRONG. He is very fast, very strong, and also he is a very smart football player. Good football is good football,,,,,no matter the size.

Keep working young man,,, just keep working. Stay focused on the things that you can control,,,, and have a great season one practice and one game at a time.

He may very well be PLAYER OF THE YEAR !! Mr.Football in the state of GA when all is said and done. Check back next week to see what Stephenson thinks about lil’ ole Jonathon Davis.

By Gak

August 20, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Although I have not seen Jonathan Davis perform in an actual game, I have seen some brief videoes of some of his playing skills. It appears that his greatest strengths are his confidence in himself and the excitement and exuberence that are a part of his game. While it may be true that he misses the lofty and sometimes overhyped emphasis of measurements that appeal to the masses, he brings exceedingly lofty mental toughness to the game that most would overlook as being critical. According to those that know him best, certainly not me, he is unequalled. Such a competitive attitude and exuberance for the game can change the attitude of an entire team. While Knowshon Moreno does have undeniable skills and acceptable physical measurements, perhaps his greatest contribution to Georgia’s succes is his mental game and the effect it has on the entire team. Jonathan Davis seems to have a very similar mental disposition. He brings an ultra “can do” attitude to the game,except his excitment applies to defense. Some have posted innuendoes of poor character issues based on what appears to be rumors. I have not seen any specific incident posted that reflects poor character. Some have posted notions that his grades are substandard for UGA considerations, but I have not seen a single posting that offers confirmation of this. In the absence of confirmation of these innuendos, it is more probably that Jonathan Davis would be an outstanding candidate for any NCAA football program and the team who is fortunate to sign him will gain an extraordinary player. It is only a guess, but I suspect that several of the SEC football programs are bargaining for other noted linebackers and that by offering Jonathan Davis a scholarship, it would diminish their chances of attaining other top rated linebackers that they have offered already.

By Chris

August 20, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Mr. P what are you talking about? He didn’t whine about anything. He was simply asked about his height concerns and he dismissed the issue saying that he’ll play for a school that wants him for who he is. So stop crucifieng him for something he didn’t even do.

I know the guy personally and he does have some character issues, his grades are pretty bad and he is undersized, without a doubt. But you watchhimplay and you’ll be amazed at all his skills. He’s incredibly quick, fast, agile, and he gets to the ball better most in the nation. His size will give him issues when going up against blockers but his rare speed and athleticism will kind of cancel out his lack of height. There’s so many teams missing out though because he’s an elite national talent and he will prove it with whatever team he decides is best for him.

By Graysonfan

August 20, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

seems size would matter at LB. good luck with what ever you do. what are his SAT scores? some kids just dont do well in georgia high schools.

By MaconFootball

August 20, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

To EagleNationRising: Northside WR has had PLENTY of players that didn’t measure up academically and had to settle for juco OR NOCO! CHECK YOUR RECORDS.

As for the dome game, they made a absolute great comeback, but that was due to Tucker being outcoached, not OUTPLAYED! CHECK YOUR FILM!

By Dekalb Football

August 20, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

Any and all of you who think Tucker was out-coached are way off base !! Simply OUTNUMBERED is more like it. Althogh Tucker had loads of speed and talent most all of their top players on the LINE as well as SKILL players were battling BOTH WAYS and wore down(fatigue set in). Plain and simple,,, NSWR had WAY MORE depth along the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Ivory had 20-30seconds or more to find WR. Then the same DBs and LBs had to carry the ball,, while the same D-Linemen had to block/battle the opposing D-linemen who rested during NSWR’s offensive series.

However, maybe there’s a tiny bit of truth to the coaching,, as I would have loved to have seen Coach Stephens(first year/rookie) let Chris Simpson do his thing. Speaking of trusting (or NOT) size coach Stephens might should have trusted in Chris’s winning abilities and his play-making abilities with his arm a little more. I trust Coach Stephens has done his homework and will once again be in the hunt VERY LATE into the playoffs

Jonathon Davis is a GREAT FOOTBALL PLAYER and should be just fine if he’ll STAY OUT OF TROUBLE and eat a little HUMBLE PIE from time to time. The Coach went 12-1 in his first season,,, he won’t be out-coached much if at all. Coach Stephens is OUTSTANDING>

By Mike

August 20, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

All-WAC player? Hey Joe, Apples and Oranges!

By Gak

August 21, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

I think Jonathan Davis may well end up with a scholarship offer from UGA much like the tacit and conditional offers allegedly given to Michael Bowman and Derrick Lott. Many student-athletes know this and probably are reluctant to disclose such for fear of disappointment should they ultimately fail to meet the requirements. It does seem odd that the University of South Carolina has allegedly offered him a scholarship while others have not. I am sure that Coach Spurrier is careful with his offers and has investigated all the atletes that he purportedly offered scholarships. Perhaps his grades do qualify, but are marginal enough to cause due caution to be given and with another couple semesters of classwork will better confirm his academic credentials. It must also be remembered that UGA has a very limited number of remaining scholarships to offer and feel a good bit of pressure to sign the most solid qualifiers given that this class will be on the small side and that losing a signed athlete to academic problems would make it even smaller and that is to be avoided even if it means missing out on an outstanding athlete, like Jonathan. We will certainly see. If he signs with South Carolina, Coach Spurrier is getting one of the best from Georgia.

By Gak

August 21, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

I think Jonathan Davis may well end up with a scholarship offer from UGA much like the tacit and conditional offers allegedly given to Michael Bowman and Derrick Lott. Many student-athletes know this and probably are reluctant to disclose such for fear of disappointment should they ultimately fail to meet the requirements. It does seem odd that the University of South Carolina has allegedly offered him a scholarship while others have not. I am sure that Coach Spurrier is careful with his offers and has investigated all the atletes that he purportedly offered scholarships. Perhaps his grades do qualify, but are marginal enough to cause due caution to be given and with another couple semesters of classwork will better confirm his academic credentials. It must also be remembered that UGA has a very limited number of remaining scholarships to offer and feel a good bit of pressure to sign the most solid qualifiers given that this class will be on the small side and that losing a signed athlete to academic problems would make it even smaller and that is to be avoided even if it means missing out on an outstanding athlete, like Jonathan. We will certainly see. If he signs with South Carolina, Coach Spurrier is getting one of the best from Georgia.

By Gak

August 21, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

I think Jonathan Davis may well end up with a scholarship offer from UGA much like the tacit and conditional offers allegedly given to Michael Bowman and Derrick Lott. Many student-athletes know this and probably are reluctant to disclose such for fear of disappointment should they ultimately fail to meet the requirements. It does seem odd that the University of South Carolina has allegedly offered him a scholarship while others have not. I am sure that Coach Spurrier is careful with his offers and has investigated all the atletes that he purportedly offered scholarships. Perhaps his grades do qualify, but are marginal enough to cause due caution to be given and with another couple semesters of classwork will better confirm his academic credentials. It must also be remembered that UGA has a very limited number of remaining scholarships to offer and feel a good bit of pressure to sign the most solid qualifiers given that this class will be on the small side and that losing a signed athlete to academic problems would make it even smaller and that is to be avoided even if it means missing out on an outstanding athlete, like Jonathan. We will certainly see. If he signs with South Carolina, Coach Spurrier is getting one of the best from Georgia.

By HooDatSedWhat

August 22, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

after seeing the Super 11 spread in the AJC ,,, i don’t think his grades are that bad considering Eric Feilds is only a 2.4 and W.Ealy as well has a low GPA. J.Davis has worked hard since coming to Tucker. And Coach Stphens his on top of the situation. There’s NO DOUBT that he CAN and WILL compete in D-1A next year.

Updates on the Tucker scrimmage ?? Please sound off with some details. Stephenson already know JD is the real deal right about NOW !!

Bring it on back,, yea c’mon

By WatchOutForDaCreek

August 23, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

You can’t measure a kids heart by his size. This kid is a fantastic football player. He has three of the four ingredients that it takes to be a great football player: speed, strength, and determination. All he is missing is size, because he definitely has the heart. Another kid to watch this year with a similar combination of attributes will be Meadowcreek’s Senior Aaron Jones. He moves from Defensive Line to Linebacker this year. He is a three year starter on varsity, at 5’9 210 pounds and is a football player in every since of the word.