Interview: Memphis 2018 DE Jordan Davis Poised for Big Off-Season of Interest

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There are so many positives going in Jordan Davis’ direction, it is tough not to completely gush about his overall prospects. A nice starting point, the Southwind High School standout is pulling it all together at the right time to see his recruiting interest skyrocket throughout the off-season.

First point of emphasis, Davis passes the eyeball test. He is the kind of guy you want to trot out first off the bus. The now- 6-5, 245 pound, end is more than just a prototypical sized collegiate end, he also has the stat line to backup potential interest. Despite a lot of Tennessee high school offenses choosing to go the other way, Davis still pulled down 37 ball carriers while tallying eight sacks, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, and broke up six passes at the line of scrimmage in 10 games this season.

Davis entered his junior season with a little bit of momentum after earning a Top 5 Underclassmen finish among defensive lineman at the Rivals camp in New Orleans this summer. Local Memphis media picked him as their Class of 2018 Defensive MVP out of 100 nominees.

No surprise that the Memphis Tigers are the first to jump on the local star. The Tigers are way ahead of the curve with the rest of the collegiate football world offering him on April 22. Other schools showing interest includes Alabama, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, and Arkansas among others.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Davis after the Jaguars toughed through a 4-6 campaign to get his thoughts on his play on the field and his recruiting process to date.

Interview

Jordan, the Jaguars had a tough season with losses in a lot of close games. How has this season helped you grow as a player?

“This season has helped me grow being more disciplined. We are always told to stay humble and be disciplined by our coaches. Some of the games we gave up and lost our focus. Our coach is always telling us to be focused. I’m one of the team captains for next season. My message to all the players going into next season is to stay disciplined and we’ll win more games. If we’re discipline and work better as a team we’ll win more games.”

Where all did you line up on the field?

“I played defensive end and tight end.”

How did the coaches utilize you as a tight end, as a blocker, receiver, or both?

“Both.”

Which position do you like better?

“Defensive end.”

Looking back on the season, how do you feel about your personal play?

“On the field, I believe it was a success. I went to a lot of camps over the summer that benefited me on and off the field, but mostly on the field. I want to keep it that way.”

When did you get the call up to the varsity level?

“My freshman year. I was the only freshman to play and start varsity ball.”

How has your game improved over the last two years as a defensive end?

“It has improved a lot. I’ve improved with all the little things – speed, technique, hand technique, my eyes. The past two years I have grown a lot. Mentally and physically developed too.”

Is there a player at the next level you watch to learn more about the game?

“I don’t have a favorite player. I believe every player at the next two levels can help me by watching them play. I look at variety of players. They all have different techniques, style of play, and attitudes. I try to learn as much as I can from them.”

What will you work on in the off-season to get ready for your senior year?

“My mental game and my technique, speed, and strength. Besides the physical part, the mental part is important for me. To do the things I want to do on the field, you have to have the mental game. My mom and coaches have put that into my head. That is all I will focus on besides lifting weights and be more disciplined for next year.”

Have you started setting personal goals you want to hit this off-season in the weight room?

“Yes sir. This off-season I want to get into the 300 range on my bench. I maxed out at 285 on bench.”

Do you play any other sports for Southwind?

“No, sir. I might run track this year. I’m debating it. I’ll do it if I can be in the weight room and get my 40 down.”

You have an offer from Memphis, which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Florida, Louisville, Florida State, Vanderbilt, Mizzou (Missouri), Clemson, Bama (Alabama), UCF (Central Florida), Arkansas, Kentucky, and ECU (East Carolina).”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this season?

“I have been to Memphis three times.”

Which games did you see at Memphis?

“The SEMO (Southeast Missouri State), Temple, and I visited last weekend for the Tulsa game. Last summer I visited Mizzou.”

How have your visits to Memphis gone so far?

“It has been going really good. The coaches are great. They really care about the players. They ask about your family and the background on your family. They want to know about your academics as well.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“Yes, sir. I’m going to Alabama on Nov. 12 (Mississippi State).”

What are you excited about or hoping to learn more about with your visit to Tuscaloosa?

“I want to get the feeling of a SEC game and environment. It’ll be exciting to see an actual championship winning team, being close to that and getting the vibes off that, and learning techniques.”

What is your overall GPA?

“I have a 2.8.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No, sir I have not taken either test yet. In December, I’m taking the ACT. I’m getting ready for that by going to tutoring classes.”

Last question, what is your motivation on the field when you play?

“I believe this whole recruiting process is not about me being a big time recruit and stars. Besides all of that, I have an independent mom and a little brother. I am trying to make it for them. Seeing my mom work day and night to support us. That motivates me. It really makes me want to help her and help my little brother so he can be a kid and not have to worry.”

Jordan, thanks for your time today. Good luck with your off-season workouts.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Memphis Commercial Appeal; No. 18 Jordan Davis in action.

Photo credit: Davis family; Jordan Davis at Missouri.

Photo credit: Davis family; Jordan Davis at Memphis with head coach Mike Norvell.