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Profiles in Terpage is back for 2017. Last week, we focused on the defensive line; this week, we’re taking a look at the linebackers.
Isaiah Davis, LB, No. 22
Height: 6’1
Weight: 235 lbs.
Year: Redshirt sophomore
Hometown: Temple Hills, Maryland
High school: St. Stephen's & St. Agnes
How he got to College Park
Davis was a low three-star recruit, but his performance on the high school level earned him all-state honors. He played offense as well as defense, rushing for 1,206 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior, but was recruited as a linebacker. He chose the Terps over NC State, Virginia Tech and Boston College.
He overlapped for one season with older brother Sean, a defensive back who was ultimately taken in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers and had a productive rookie season. Isaiah didn’t play in 2015, but appeared in 11 games as a redshirt freshman. He made headlines once during the regular season, albeit for a hit that got him suspended.
Career highlight
After Shane Cockerille was ruled ineligible for the Quick Lane Bowl, Davis filled his place for his first career start. He posted seven solo tackles in the game, easily a career high.
2017 prospectus
Davis will be one of several linebackers competing to start alongside Jermaine Carter Jr., and while the Quick Lane Bowl will be eight months old by the time games begin this fall, he’ll be the man to beat by virtue of starting it. If he makes the proverbial leap from freshman to sophomore year, Davis could leave everyone else battling each other for situational snaps.
Dream season
Davis wins the second linebacker job in camp and hangs onto it all season, turning momentum from last postseason into a full year of solid results. He puts himself in position to lead the linebacking corps after Carter graduates in 2018.
Up next
This player moved clear across the country to join the Terps this season.
say_al has surged into the lead with two. Denton5, Scaletta, jatk13 and Sabadahut all have one.