With defensive end David Marshall probably out for Saturday’s game at LSU with an injured left foot, it’s likely that freshman Jordan Davis will see increased playing time. Perhaps Davis’ most notable attribute this early in his college career is his size – he stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 320 pounds.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart said that Davis remains a work in progress and added that he can see Davis going places because of his work ethic.
“He hasn’t arrived yet, but of all our kids that I’m most proud of, he’s worked the hardest to get where he is,” Smart said. “A lot of guys as freshmen got to come in, and they were (second) on the depth chart, or (third), or they got to play, or they played on special teams. This kid has grinded. He’s grinded himself into a very productive player, a hard-to-block player. We just have to get him where he gets a little more quickness and is able to move better.”
Davis has played in four games this season and has recorded eight tackles and one quarterback hurry.
“He played good in spurts. He flashes,” Smart said. “He’s big, he’s hard to block. He’s really worked hard on his conditioning. He does extra conditioning almost every day. He’s gotten to be one of the most in-shape guys because of the conditioning that he does. He works about the half the time on scout team, about half the time with us. He gives the offensive line a really good picture, and he goes against better O-linemen when he goes against our offense...He continues to get better.”
Inside linebacker Monty Rice praised Davis – who has yet to go on the road for an SEC game -- and his ability to hold off “that double team.”
“He’s a solid guy. He’s young,” Rice said. “He’s still developing, but he could be really good for us. ... I think he’s good at holding that double team, not getting bounced out there. That’s a tough job. That’s like 700 pounds bumping against you, and you have to hold him. I think he does a good job of that, especially when he’s fresh.”
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