Derius Davis was one of the most electrifying players in college football during his time with the TCU Horned Frogs. On Saturday night in the LA Chargers preseason opener, he didn’t waste any time in showing NFL fans his breathtaking speed. Davis returned a punt 81-yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. He turned on the burners and it wasn’t even close.
Check out the electrifying touchdown below.
The return put the Chargers up 13-0 with just under 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter.
In five years at TCU Davis was a problem whenever he took the field for opposing defenses and special teams. Overall, he accounted for 17 total touchdowns: nine receiving, six as a returner, and two rushing. Last season was arguably Davis’ best year of production in college football.
Davis had 42 catches for 531 yards and five touchdowns to go along with three rushing attempts, 30 yards, and a touchdown. As a returner, he did most of his damage returning punts. Davis has 18 returns for TCU, running two back for touchdowns.
What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Davis
According to the draft analyst Lance Zierlein at NFL.com, Davis ranks as the 37-best wide receiver prospect in this year’s draft, with a grade of 5.82; just behind Nebraska’s Trey Palmer and Liberty’s Demario Douglas. That grade puts him in the category of ‘Average backup or special-teamer.’ Here’s how Zierlein views Davis heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.
“TCU found ways to get the ball into Davis’ hands in an efficient manner, allowing him to make explosive plays with his speed. While he still carries that value on the pro level, his ability to slip press and cut with quickness could foreshadow a more robust opportunity as an NFL slot receiver. He is capable of running a more complex route tree in the future and should offer immediate competition as a punt returner,” according to Zierlein.
As far as Davis’s strengths go, Zierlein has them listed as follows: “Footwork to peel away from press coverage; Displays foot agility to become effective route runner; High school sprint champ with speed galore; Offers value for gadget packages; Instant acceleration defeats pursuit angles; Returned five punts for TDs during college career.”
As for the things he needs to work on: “Diminutive target with short arms; Primary production from pop passes, receiver screens and short tosses; Routes lack disguise and crisp breaks; Below-average feel for sinking into zone space; Needs to become more decisive with the ball in his hands.”
On3’s Justin Rudolph also contributed to this article.
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