Pennsylvania is not known as a hotbed for football talent like California, Texas or Florida, but that doesn't mean much to four-star safety Derrick Davis Jr. He played for Gateway High School in Monroeville and vaulted up the 247Sports football recruiting rankings.
Davis Jr. shows some impressive physical qualities on the gridiron and will be playing his college football for an elite, championship-winning program.
In December 2020, Davis Jr. signed his Letter of Intent to move to Baton Rouge and play for the LSU Tigers.
Derrick Davis Jr. Commits to LSU
https://twitter.com/D_Dav1s/status/1339296924885803012
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Many teams expressed interest in signing Derrick Davis Jr., including the Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn Tigers, Cincinnati Bearcats, Clemson Tigers, Georgia Bulldogs, Miami Hurricanes, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Ohio State Buckeyes, Oklahoma Sooners, Penn State Nittany Lions, Pittsburgh Panthers, Temple Owls, Tennessee Volunteers, USC Trojans, and Wisconsin Badgers.
The Buckeyes and the Panthers were two of the finalists. The four-star safety prospect even visited Columbus, but OSU couldn't convince him. Pitt rarely signs players of this caliber, so it is clear there was a bit of a geographic advantage during his recruitment.
Fresh off of an NCAA title in 2019, head coach Ed Orgeron has been able to attract talent on the recruiting trail with ease. LSU football may have had a rough 2020, but their upcoming recruiting class filled with linebackers, tight ends, and two five-stars with All-American potential will likely help get them out of their rut this year.
Derrick Davis Jr. Highlights
Derrick Davis Jr.'s physicality is what pops out right off the bat. He can play any position in the secondary, but his future is as a safety or nickel cornerback.
While primarily known as a defensive back, Davis Jr. also has experience as a running back. In one game this season, he scored a touchdown on offense and returned an interception on defense. The 247Sports Composite lists Davis Jr. as the nation's no. 3 safety. Rivals lists him sixth.
Together with Sage Ryan, the Tigers are set to succeed in the SEC once more. After losing many of their stars to the NFL, the team will look to reach the College Football Playoff again.
If they succeed, Derrick Davis Jr. will be one of the reasons why.
