There’s an age old saying that states ‘patience is a virtue’. Individuals or organizations that are display patience can sometimes get rewarded with something special. In the case of University of Pittsburgh football, patience paid off when they received a commitment from 2014 linebacker prospect Jamal Davis from Canton McKinley High School in Canton, OH.
Davis entered his senior season solidly on the radar of Pitt’s coaching staff. Prior to pulling the trigger and offering an early scholarship, they opted to monitor his progress throughout the season. David delivered in spades. He registered 105 tackles (21 for a loss), 3.5 sacks and three forced fumbles his senior year. He was selected first team All-Ohio Division I (largest classification) by The Associated Press and named Northeast Inland District Division I Defensive Player of the Year. McKinley finished the season with an impressive 9-2 record, winning the Federal League championship and a berth in the Ohio Division I state playoffs.
On top of a dominating season, Davis continued to mature physically. He ended the season a muscle-bound 6-foot-2 inches, 215 pounds. Pitt defensive coordinator Matt House eventually contacted Davis in early January. After a few discussions on the phone, House officially offered him a scholarship. Davis completed his visit one week later and committed to Pitt.
“It feels great to be a Panther. I’m excited about my recruiting class. We’re already really close. It’s like a brotherhood,” said Davis. “We have a group text message and not a day goes by where we don’t communicate with one another.”
“I communicate with Pitt at least three times a week. I’m really close with the coaching staff, especially Coach House. (Pitt recruiting coordinator) Dan Kabala and I speak a lot as well. It’s great to have a bond that tight with the staff before I even start my career at Pitt.”
Davis has been working diligently in the weight room. He’s nearly up to 220 pounds of muscle. “I have been spending a ton of time in the weight room. Pitt sent me their lifting program and I used pieces of it,” he said. “Right now, my coach has me using the same lifting program we have used at McKinley over the last four years. I’m focusing on proper nutrition as well. I’m avoiding junk food and soda.”
Davis, along with his recruiting class, will officially report for camp in late June. He joins fellow freshmen linebackers Quintin Wirginis from Fox Chappel High School in Pittsburgh, PA, James Folston Jr. from Cocoa High School in Rockledge, FL, George Aston from Sherando High School in Stephens City, VA and Brian Popp from Loveland High School in Loveland, OH. Aston and Popp are joining the Panthers as preferred walk-on candidates.
“I was told I’ll play WILL linebacker. They told me if I do what I’m capable of doing; I could crack the two deep or even start. I plan on getting at least up to 230 pounds without losing my speed.” said Davis. “My game is based on speed, athleticism and physicality. I want to put on good muscle without losing my 4.5 speed.”
While evaluating film on Davis, the Pitt coaching staff noticed rising junior linebacker/defensive end Nick Faulkner (6-foot-2 inches, 215 pounds). It’s early in the recruiting process but the McKinley prospect is a strong candidate for a scholarship offer.
“James Conner is helping me understand what to prepare for when I join the team in June,” he said. “He’s been a mentor to me. We have a bond that has been in place since my official visit. He checks in on my all the time. We text message each other daily.”
“I can’t wait to get to Pitt and get things started. It’s an exciting time.”