Jamin Davis (UK Athletics Photo)
One thing Jamin Davis did at Kentucky was go “about his work the right way” every day for two years to put himself in position to be a NFL first-round draft pick later this month.
“We actually had big plans for him in the 2019 season and how we would use him but things maybe did not quite as smooth the first part of the year and he ended up not having quite the season we anticipated,” UK linebacker coach Jon Sumrall said.
“But the back half of the 2019 season he got more proactive and started doing things we thought he could do.”
That continued into the 2020 season when Davis became a starter and UK’s leading tackler along with leader on the field.
“It’s like a fire. It took a while to get started and now you are pouring gasoline on and it’s out of control,” Sumrall said. “He kept working hard. He did not have a bad day. He didn’t whine or complain about things not going his way. You have to grow into that role and he did a great job.”
Sumrall said he is a “great example” for young players to use as they try to improve.
“He did not come in as a freshman or sophomore and start. He had to put in his time to work and develop,” Sumrall said. “He did a great job with our weight room guys and now he is as good a looking dude as you will find on the football field.
“His numbers on Pro Day were impressive. He is just a great example for all the guys on our team to put their head down, go to work, embrace the process and let good t things happen.”
