Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis makes it official, headed to NFL

Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis was one of the best players defensively in the country this season. He won the Bednarik Award and Outland Trophy, becoming one of just three players in the history of the sport to take both home in the same season. Now he’s headed to the NFL, saying farewell to Georgia fans on Friday.

Forever A DGD. Too many to list but I thank you all for everything! Until we meet again 🖤 JD out. #bulldogbornbulldogbred pic.twitter.com/JYUopP395s

— Jordan Davis (@jordanxdavis99) January 21, 2022

“November 16, 2017. That is the day I committed to the University of Georgia, and the day my life changed forever,” Davis wrote. “I came here as a freshman, with one goal in mind; all I wanted to do, from the bottom of my heart, was bring a National Championship back to Athens. As I sit here now, and reflected upon the past four years, I can confidently say I have accomplished everything I had set out to do on that day five years ago.”

“I want to start by thanking my coaches. To Coach Smart: Thank you for taking a chance on a kid out of Charlotte, N.C. You brought me in and made me feel at home. Georgia football is in the best hands moving forward with you at the helm,” he continued. “Coach Scott: I wouldn’t be here without you today. You gave me my first offer as a high school sophomore and have been with me every step of the way. I am a better man for having you in my life. Thank you, and I love you both.”

“To my brothers in the locker room past and present: I can’t even begin to tell you how much you all mean to me. Going to battle with you every Saturday has been the biggest honor of my life. I have nothing but love for each and every one of you. I am so thankful Georgia brought us together because now I have so many brothers for life. And to all the former Georgia players who have played before me, I want to say thank you as well. Thank you for paving the way for us and laying the foundation for us to finish what you started. To the fans: You are the most passionate, loving, supportive and loyal fanbase in the entire country. You are the reason we go out there and play so hard. This National Championship Trophy is for you. I will miss playing in front of you every week. I am who I am because of you,” Davis said as he began to wrap up. “Lastly, and most importantly, my family. You are my heart, my rom, my soul. Everything I do is for you. I am forever indebted to you for the sacrifices you have made for me, and I love you with every fiber of my being. As I head off to the NFL, please know the University of Georgia will be in my heart every step of the way. 99 Out!”

Davis, who made the decision to return to UGA for his senior season after the Bulldogs beat Cincinnati in the Peach Bowl in January, comes in at 6-foot-6 and 340 pounds. He was named a First Team All-American by the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Sporting News, USA Today, ESPN The Athletic, CBS and Walter Camp, among others. He earned All-SEC First-Team recognition from both the AP and league’s coaches. Needless to say, the accolades are deserved. Playing in all 15 games, Davis finished with 32 tackles, 5.5 of which were for loss. However, his impact goes far beyond stats, making life easier for the guys at the next level.

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Davis’ decision to leave isn’t surprising in the slightest bit. Devonte Wyatt is also expected to leave from Georgia’s defensive line, and Travon Walker has already made his intentions known. That means that the pressure is on the next group of defensive linemen, most notably Jalen Carter. Georgia also signed four-star prospect Bear Alexander, the No. 45 overall ranked player and No. 7 defensive lineman, along with three-star Shone Washington. They are still in the mix for Christen Miller, who is set to announce his decision in February.

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