Texas A&M’s defense is equipped to be among the SEC’s best in 2023, and according to Pro Football Focus, their unit is welcoming one of the best-graded returning linebackers into the fold.
PFF mapped the highest-graded returning linebackers in the SEC next season, and the Aggies’ transfer addition of Jurriente Davis ranked sixth among his conference counterparts with a grade of 75.3. After entering the transfer portal, the former Jackson State product announced his commitment to the Aggies in April.
Davis tallied 408 defensive snaps with the Tigers last season, with 195 snaps coming via run support, 74 in pass-rush situations, and 139 in coverage. He logged 41 tackles (31 solo) alongside nine hurries, three QB hits, and one sack.
His 75.3 defensive grade last season significantly improved from his 61.6 grade in 2021. Upon taking a granular look, Davis’ impact was felt at all levels of the defense, with a 76.7 run defense grade, a 69.5 tackling grade, and a 72.4 pass rush grade.
Highest graded returning SEC Linebackers🔥 pic.twitter.com/ezrbedTkIn
— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 19, 2023
Davis ranked as the No.1 transfer portal linebacker before he made College Station his next home, and his top 10 PFF grade among returning SEC linebackers further illustrates the impact he’ll bring to the Maroon and White in 2023.
Adding a versatile talent like Davis helps fill out the linebacker unit immediately from a depth perspective. As we’ve covered here at Aggies Wire, he should also thrive as an off-the-ball linebacker, primarily at the Will position in the Aggies’ 4-2-5 defensive scheme.
His balanced production in run defense, coverage, and pressuring the quarterback only furthers the belief that Davis will immensely benefit defensive coordinator DJ Durkin and his unit. While some may question the learning curve in facing SEC competition, Davis’ PFF grades only illustrate that the best is yet to come with his play on the field.
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