Buried on depth chart DE Thomas Davis leaves Miami football program

Buried on the depth chart, multiple reports stated that redshirt freshman edge rusher Thomas Davis entered the transfer portal on Thursday. Davis has been passed by younger players that Mario Cristobal and his staff signed. Davis was signed by the Miami football program as a linebacker and converted to edge rusher.

The 247 Sports composite rankings had Davis as the 511th prospect, 54th LB and 41st player in Georgia out of Valdosta Lowndes in the class of 2021. At 6’2 and 220 pounds Davis is exceptionally undersized compared to the bigger linemen that Mario Cristobal prefers. Andrew Ivins of 247 Sports analyzed Davis.

“Built almost like a linebacker. Undersized by Power 5 standards for edge work given lack of length.” Davis recorded one tackle, one tackle for loss and 0.5 sacks in his only playing time versus Bethune-Cookman last season. The transfer by Davis allows him to find a system that fits his skills better.

Davis was a high school teammate of Miami quarterback Jacurri Brown. The Miami football program beat out Power Five programs Arkansas, Florida State, Indiana, Mississippi State and South Carolina to sign Davis. Sports Illustrated site Auburn Daily projected that Davis would be a good fit for the Tigers’ jack position.

Miami has exceptional edge rusher depth to absorb the loss of Davis. Akheem Mesidor and Jahfari Harvey return as the starting edge rushers for Miami in 2023. Backups Nyjalik Kelly and Chantz Williams should remain in the rotation this season. Miami also has sophomore Cyrus Moss and freshmen Ruben Bain and Jayden Wayne.

Miami is expected to target more defensive linemen in the transfer portal, primarily at tackle. The Hurricanes have reportedly offered several DTs currently in the portal. Miami signed transfer DTs Branson Deen from Purdue and Thomas Gore from Georgia State. Miami is still looking for a run-stuffing DT.

Davis should have three seasons of eligibility remaining. The transfer by Davis frees up a scholarship for Cristobal to pursue more transfers. Other than DT expect Miami to pursue outside wide receivers through the transfer portal. Cristobal stated a transfer WR was a priority for Miami in December.