Jets special teams coach Brant Boyer has a Swiss Army Knife on his unit in Ashtyn Davis.
Davis was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jets out of the University of California. Davis can play almost anywhere in the secondary on defense as well as a returner and gunner on special teams. Boyer, after watching Davis’ film, was impressed with his ability to keep plays alive no matter how many defenders are in front of him.
“A lot of people that I watch on tape, those returners will run out of bounds right there and they won’t fight for extra yards,” Boyer told the Jets’ website. “There is no quit in this kid at all and that’s what I really like about him.”
Davis, who was a walk-on with the California track and field team and football team, awed Boyer with his speed and tenacious play style.
“He is really fast. And I’ll tell you what else I like is his toughs,” Boyer said. “I would have loved to have played next to this kid.”
Davis was unable to participate in the NFL Combine due to an injury and then missed out on his Pro Day because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as a member of the California track and field team, Davis was known for running hurdles. His best time came in the 110-meter hurdles at the Pac-12 Championships, where he had a time of 13.50 seconds. It was good for third-best in the school’s history.
Davis officially joined the California football team in the spring of 2015 but didn’t play until 2016. Over Davis’ four years in the program, he recorded 166 total tackles, seven interceptions, 12 pass defenses, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. As a kick returner, Davis had 1,604 total yards and averaged 22.9 yards per return.
Boyer noted that it takes a “dog mentality” to make that kind of impact on special teams and defense.
New York didn’t have a set kick returner last season, so Davis could slide into the position right away. Based on what Boyer has said about Davis, he should have every opportunity to win the job in camp.