Georgia Tech linebacker P.J. Davis was productive and savvy enough to become a regular contributor to the Yellow Jackets defense as a first-year freshman last season. Davis has continued to improve steadily during his sophomore season.
“I think right now, he’s starting to see the game a little better,” linebackers coach Andy McCollum said. “Every game, something different happens to him, (and) he learns from it.”
Davis has started all 11 games this season at the weakside linebacker position, where his 90 tackles lead the team, as do his three forced fumbles. His 8.2 tackles-per-game average is 10th in the ACC.
“I feel like I’ve been playing pretty good so far,” Davis said. “I feel like I’ve still got a lot to learn.”
Defensive coordinator Ted Roof has made use of his blitzing skill. Davis has had at least a half-sack in four of Tech’s past five games, including a half-sack against Clemson last Saturday. His open-field tackling has improved, also.
“The more he plays, the better he’s gotten, but one thing about him, he loves playing football,” McCollum said. “That’s the kind of guy you want.”
Davis said one particular way that he has improved in how he reads offenses, keeping his eyes on his assigned keys and not letting them stray to follow the ball or a fake. Increased familiarity and confidence in Roof’s scheme has also helped.
“I had a faster game Saturday vs. Clemson,” Davis said. “I felt like my speed was there.”
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