Former Clemson football player David Davis passes away at 53

Former Clemson football defensive tackle David Davis has passed away, according to a tweet from former South Carolina linebacker Corey Miller. He was 53.

A native of Eastover, South Carolina, Davis played for the Tigers from 1988-1991 and helped them to three straight 10-win seasons in his first three years with the program. He was set to turn 54 years old on July 31.

Davis played under Danny Ford for his first two seasons at Clemson before Ken Hatfield took over in 1990. In that span, the Tigers also reeled off victories in the Citrus Bowl, Gator Bowl and Hall of Fame Bowl. Davis was teammates with future Pro Bowlers in running back Terry Allen and defensive back Donnell Woolford.

The Clemson defense was among the best in the country all four years that Davis played for the Tigers. After back-to-back top five finishes in 1988 and 1989, Clemson led the country in points allowed per game (9.1) during his junior season. The Tigers won the ACC in Davis’ senior season, going 6-0-1 in conference play.

Prior to his arrival at Clemson, David Davis played at Lower Richland High School. It was there that he got to know Miller, who played for Pageland Central High School in South Carolina. The two represented the state during the Shrine Bowl, an annual all-star game pitting high school players from South Carolina against those from North Carolina, in 1986.

Following his final year at Clemson, Davis briefly spent time with the New York Giants in the NFL. He soon came back home to South Carolina and spent two decades working in law enforcement as well as coaching high school football.

Davis returned to Clemson to finish his degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism, according to a 2016 article from the Anderson Independent Mail. He did so via a program called Tiger Trust, joining several of his former teammates in earning their degrees years later. Davis also helped out coach Dabo Swinney with the defensive line during his time on campus.

It’s unclear at this time what led to Davis’ death. Information about a funeral and service in honor of his life has not yet been made public either. He is survived by his wife, who was the one to inform Miller of the heartbreaking news.

Davis will surely be remembered for the great memories he provided for Clemson football fans as well as the life he built for himself after his playing career was over.