Texas A&M was in linebacker limbo entering last week, and even though the Maroon and White Spring Game exhibited the potential for freshman linebacker, Taurean York, the 2023 roster had only three players ahead of him, including starters Edgerrin Cooper and Chris Russel, but after that, more youth and inexperience.
After the transfer portal reopened on Apr. 15, Linebacker, combined with cornerback, wide receiver, and offensive line rounded out the A&M’s core needs, and the No.1 ranked transfer portal LB Jurriente Davis of Jackson State took a visit to College Station, leading to his commitment to the Maroon and White on Apr. 20.
On the surface, adding a versatile option like Davis helps fill out the position immediately from a depth perspective, but due to his unique skillset, how will Aggie’s defensive coordinator and linebacker coach D.J. Durkin utilize his talents in 2023?
In a summarization from GigEm247’s Jeff Tarpley, Davis’s tape shows a player that thrives as an off-the-ball linebacker, primarily at the Will postion in the Aggies’ 4-2-5 defensive scheme. Within his scouting report for Davis, Tarpley states,
“He’s 225 pounds and needs people playing in front of him to play to his strengths. Davis wants to be able to read the play, find a gap, and shoot through it or run down a play from the backside. He’s not made to take on blockers, shed them, and get to the ball. Davis better working versus backs where he can us his upper body strength to shed them.”
Simply put, Davis is equipped to tackle what’s in front of him and provide adequate pass rush when warranted due to his speed and downhill quickness. paired with Cooper and Russell, Davis’s experience is extremely valuable, yet his jump from the FCS to the FBS level is something to definitely keep an eye on early in the season.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=5]
[mm-video type=playlist id=01fvdd4pnb49trk727 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image