Rian Davis’ college career has tested his character. He committed to Georgia in the 2019 class as a four-star, top-100 recruit in the nation. Yet, injuries derailed much of his time with the program. Before stepping on campus, he tore his ACL. Then, as a redshirt freshman, he tore his labrum. The final straw was a torn quad his junior year, leading Davis to look for a fresh start, ultimately landing with UCF last offseason.
A native of Apopka, Fla., the Knights offered him the opportunity to play closer to home. However, he didn’t see the field much and re-entered the portal on April 3, opting to spend his final collegiate season elsewhere in 2024.
Landing Spots for Rian Davis
Davis recorded 14 total tackles in seven games for UCF, just three less than he posted across four years at Georgia. At this point in his career, he’s likely looking for a bit more playing time to finish off his career, but it’s hard to envision a program bringing him in to be a starter.
His recruiting pedigree and emotional leadership are pluses, but he has sparse on-field experience despite entering his sixth collegiate season.
Colorado Buffaloes
After flaming out last season, Deion Sanders’ squad hopes to rebound in the Big 12 this season. Colorado is no stranger to poaching in-conference talent, and Davis could be next on the list. He wouldn’t have to start, with LaVonte Bentley and Trevor Woods returning and Jaylen Wester coming over from FAU.
Florida Atlantic Owls
Speaking of FAU … Davis would likely see more playing while staying in-state with the Owls. Entering Year 2 at the helm, Tom Herman needs leaders on the defensive side of the ball, and Davis fits the bill. It’s a step down in competition, but at this point, the Group of Five may be the only place the sixth-year LB would receive serious snaps in 2024.
Florida State Seminoles
It appears there is a contingent of FSU fans who want the Noles to snatch Davis out of the portal. Alabama transfer Shawn Murphy is slated to replace Kalen DeLoach at middle linebacker, but behind him are question marks. Blake Nichelson is relatively new to the position entering his sophomore year, and Omar Graham is coming off an injury that required surgery.
At the weakside LB spot, DJ Lundy returns after testing the portal, and Justin Cryer is a reliable backup. Perhaps Mike Norvell and staff add Davis as insurance at MLB, but does he want to spend his final season on the bench?
USF Bulls
Outside of Georgia, Davis only took two other official visits in 2019: Louisville and Texas. Todd Orlando recruited him for the Longhorns and is now the inside LBs coach and defensive coordinator at USF. The Bulls are coming off their best season since 2018 and are primed to keep the moment going in Year 2 of the Alex Golesh era.
Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield was the lead man at Louisville when the Cardinals recruited Davis. Outside of that connection and offering the LB the chance to remain in the Big 12, the Bearcats need help at the second level.
KEEP READING: Can the Knights Compete for the Big 12 Championship in 2024?
Jack Dingle and Dorian Jones, the starters last season, return, but they struggled mightily at times. We don’t know if Davis could do any better, but the opportunity to see could be enough for the Bearcats to make a move.
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