P.J. Davis rising to challenge for Georgia Tech defense
After leading the team in tackles last season as a sophomore, Georgia Tech linebacker P.J. Davis was challenged to play more within the structure of the defense and less like a “cowboy,” in the words of defensive coordinator Ted Roof. Through two games, Davis has been meeting that challenge.
“He’s doing good,” linebackers coach Andy McCollum said. “P.J. plays with a high motor, and he rises to the challenges. I think he’s done well.”
On Saturday, against a Notre Dame offensive line that is one of the best that the Yellow Jackets will face this season, Davis will be called upon again to continue to adhere to Tech’s scheme. It is entirely likely that the Fighting Irish will be able to exploit missed assignments and other mistakes far better than Tech’s first two opponents, Alcorn State and Tulane.
Davis has eight tackles, tied for most on the team with freshman safety A.J. Gray. He was named the team’s defensive player of the week after the opener against Alcorn State.
McCollum said that Davis needs to continue to improve at certain aspects of his game, such as staying in the right gap or keeping his eyes focused on his assignment. To that end, Davis has shown a desire to continue to improve in practice. Further, McCollum said, his instincts serve him well.
“P.J. can be somewhere and may not be in the right place and find a way to find the ball,” McCollum said. “He’s one of those guys.”
About the Author
Ken Sugiura is a sports columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Formerly the Georgia Tech beat reporter, Sugiura started at the AJC in 1998 and has covered a variety of beats, mostly within sports.
