The full pads have only been donned for a day, but already certain players are apparently standing out for the Bulldogs.
Freshmen Nolan Smith and Tyrique Stevenson have already received their share of praise, but according to teammates spoken to on Tuesday, there’s another young returnee on defense who is also turning some heads: sophomore nose Jordan Davis.
“Jordan Davis is in the best shape I’ve seen him,” right guard Ben Cleveland said.
Cleveland’s words should not be taken lightly.
Conditioning has always been a bit of a concern for the 6-foot-6 Davis, listed in Georgia’s media guide at 320 pounds.
Considering the Charlotte native was pushing 350 when he first arrived last year as a freshman, that’s a heady statement by Cleveland, though perhaps it shouldn’t be that much of a surprise.
Davis has already exceeded many expectations by going from a player many thought would redshirt to one who went on to start four games in the middle of the Bulldogs’ defensive line, and someone who is now considered one of the top young nose tackles in the SEC.
Defensive coordinator Dan Lanning certainly hopes so. When asked his expectations for Davis, Lanning didn’t flinch with his response.
“To whoop the guy across from him’s butt, that's what I'm expecting, so I hope he gets a chance to watch that because that's what I want to see him do every snap,” Lanning said. “Obviously, he has to be in great condition to do that, great shape to do that, but Jordan has the potential to be a great player. He has to put that together every single day when he comes to work, and he's one of those guys.”
A late-season back injury curtailed Davis’ year right before the Sugar Bowl, but he’s long since gotten that issue under control.
Left guard Solomon Kindley has certainly been impressed.
“Jordan keeps doing stuff like that we’re going to be a very good team,” Kindley said. “Jordan Davis is a very good player; he’s in very good shape. I think he’s going to be one of the best defensive linemen in the country. He’s really going to help the team.”
