ATHENS -- The biggest piece of the unsolved puzzle that is Georgia’s 2021 football season just went in for the Bulldogs as defensive lineman Jordan Davis announced he was returning for his senior season.

The 6-foot-6, 330-pound Davis was among the more sought-after juniors in the country for consideration for this year’s NFL draft. Instead, Davis used his social-media platforms to say, “See y’all in Charlotte,” meaning he will be competing for the Bulldogs when they take on Clemson in their highly anticipated neutral-site matchup in September.

Charlotte happens to be Davis’ hometown.

“The NFL is a career goal, but it will have to wait another year,” Davis said in a Twitter post. “We have some unfinished business. Georgia is my home. I’m not going anywhere.”

That’s huge news, both literally and figuratively, for a Bulldogs’ defense that will have to be reconfigured as it is next season. They already had lost six starters from this season’s unit, including junior cornerback Eric Stokes, senior safeties Richard LeCounte and Mark Webb and senior defensive end Malik Herring.

With Davis’ return, Georgia is at least assured of fielding one of the SEC’s better D-lines. In addition to Davis, Georgia returns Jalen Carter, 6-3, 305-pound rising sophomore who proved himself a star in the making while starting two games that Davis missed and alternating with him throughout the season.

Davis missed the Florida, Mississippi State and South Carolina games with a fractured elbow. He returned against Missouri and started the final two games. In the 24-21 win over Cincinnati, he had three tackles, a sack and blocked a field goal.

Along with Devonte Wyatt and Travon Walker, Georgia will head to Charlotte to face Clemson with one of the nation’s best groups of down linemen.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (left) tries to catch a pass with one hand against the Raiders on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Las Vegas. Pickens could not come down with the touchdown catch, but he had nine receptions for 144 yards and a TD in the win over Las Vegas. (Jeff Lewis/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC