He was projected as a preseason All-American in the summer and was set up to have a monster junior year; however, inconsistent play and the emergence of Quinnen Williams have robbed Raekwon Davis of his shine.
After leading the team in sacks (8.5) and tackles for loss (10.0) in 2017, his production in both areas have dropped – including him not registering a sack this season. The 6-foot-7, 316-pound defensive end has 52 tackles through 13 games and totals 4.5 stops for loss with six quarterback pressures. A former five-star from Mississippi, Davis has all the capabilities needed to affect Oklahoma’s offense in Saturday’s Orange Bowl and Alabama needs a huge game from him.
RELATED: UA defensive end Raekwon Davis lands on preseason Nagurski Trophy watch list
While he may need one more year with the Crimson Tide, dropping Kyler Murray to the ground a few times should point NFL scouts in Davis’ direction. He along with Isaiah Buggs, Christian Miller and Anfernee Jennings must set the edge in controlling the movements of the Heisman Trophy winner.
His best game to this point was collecting a season-high seven tackles and holding quarterback Jarrett Stidham to 153 passing yards in Alabama’s 51-21 win over Auburn at home.
Everyone is not taking the conversation of a possible shootout nicely; nevertheless, a ticked off performance from Davis will shut things up quickly. He came on strong during the latter portion of last season and now Tide fans want to see the same energy again.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
