Note: The following appears in the Miami football gameday program.
Tyler Davis has been a mainstay on the Clemson defense since arriving on campus in 2019. As a recruit, Davis was rated as a four-star talent from the Sunshine State. He made an immediate impact on a retooled Clemson defense that just a year prior halted a historically elite Alabama offense in the CFP National Championship Game.
Davis knew he would have an opportunity to play early, and that he did. He started 13 games and was credited with 51 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks during his freshman campaign. His 13 starts were the most in school history by a freshman defensive lineman. Not only was Davis recognized in Clemson, but he garnered Second-Team All-ACC honors.
In 2021, despite battling injuries, he tallied 27 tackles and 2.5 sacks in just eight games. His performance was good for First-Team All-ACC honors. So far in 2022, he has recorded seven tackles for loss and four sacks. He tallied two sacks in the comeback victory over No. 14 Syracuse, and his play this year has been recognized nationally, as he is a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award, which is given to the best defensive player in the country.
“When I first got here, we had guys leaving, so I was not expecting to start, but I knew I could get some playing time early. I played within my role and had a good freshman year. It has been great.”
Davis was drawn to Clemson by the culture that Head Coach Dabo Swinney and his staff have implanted over the past decade and a half.
“The people here at Clemson and the culture set by Coach Swinney are really special.”
It is hard to find a better place than Clemson to play college football. Not only can you win at a high level and develop to play at the professional level, you also can meet some great people along the way.
“The people around here are the best part about Clemson, and getting to know everyone has been fun. I really have enjoyed my time at Clemson.”
One of those people who Davis has met is first-year Defensive Tackles Coach Nick Eason, who starred at Clemson before going on to play and coach in the NFL.
“I have learned a lot from Coach Eason. He is a great guy and has given me a lot of tools for the next level, and I really appreciate that.”
Outside of football, Davis is a P.A.W. Journey ambassador and has been seen a few times cruising around on a jet ski on Lake Keowee during the summer months.
Davis looks to finish his Clemson career on a high note as the Tigers prepare for the final stretch of the 2022 season. Davis has put his name among the Clemson greats who have played on the defensive line and continues the tradition of elite defensive linemen.
Not only is Davis a great football player, he is a great example of the culture in Tigertown.
