Jamin Davis (UK Athletics Photo)
If you are looking for a player who coaches love because of the progression he’s made the way he did then look at Kentucky junior linebacker Jamin Davis. He had an 85-yard interception return for a score at Tennessee and also led the team in 12 tackles. He’s moved into a starting role at inside linebacker this year and grown into a consistent playmaker for coach Mark Stoops’ team.
“I don’t want to name names, but there are guys on our team right now that I believe will be very good players but when that is, I’m not sure. You have just got to continue to work and develop and worry about yourself,” Stoops said Monday.
“In this day and age, players worry so much what people are saying about them on Twitter, how they are perceived or maybe they didn’t play a good game at all but maybe the ball fell in their lap and something good happened and everybody is patting them on the back, when behind the scenes, it is not happening. Jamin is a great example of a guy that did not play very many quality snaps in his first two years here but continued to work hard and have a positive attitude, do the best he could whether on scout team getting better, with the reps (practice repetitions) that he got, getting better and banking those reps.”
Stoops admitted he understood when players get frustrated and “want their plays, want their own” when that is not what is best for the team. The coach said what he guarantees every player is an opportunity and then they have to take advantage of opportunities presented to them.
“Some players get frustrated because they feel like they have to get their snaps when they are not earned. I think he (Davis) is a great example to continue to work and do things right and when you get the opportunity, make the most of it,” Stoops said. “I am really happy for Jamin. He is a great example for some young players to keep on doing what is right and eventually you are going to get that shot.”
