When J.D. Davis spoke with the media Monday, one member referred to former Clemson player Jeff Davis as “legendary.”
An enormous smile ran across Davis’ face after hearing “legendary.”
To J.D., Jeff isn’t known as a legend. He’s just known as “dad.”
Jeff Davis played linebacker for the Tigers and was a captain during Clemson’s 1981 national championship season. He was the MVP of the 1981 Orange Bowl against Nebraska, clinching the program’s first title.
He was a first-team All-American in ’81 leading the Tigers in tackles and was inducted into the Clemson Ring of Honor in 1995.
His son J.D. was fully aware of his father’s accomplishments when he decided that Clemson was the school he wanted to attend.
“That was one of the biggest decisions. I came here because I wanted to play where my dad did,” Davis said. “I loved watching him. I have grown up watching (games) and being here in Clemson; there’s nothing like it.”
Davis, a junior, plays linebacker just like his father did back in the day. He feels no pressure to live up to the expectations of the name that is on the back of his jersey.
Most young men want to get away from their parents when they leave for college, but Davis loves having his dad close by as a mentor.
“Him being five minutes away is big time. He’s so wise, so anytime I can soak up some information from him, I am always asking.”
Davis comes off of a monster performance against Virginia Tech on the road. His career-high 11 tackles led the Clemson defense.
The linebacker had 11 tackles total the entire 2016 season. Davis appeared in all 15 games for the Tigers and played 80 snaps.
Davis credits defensive coordinator Brent Venables and Ben Boulware for his success last Saturday night.
“Ben Boulware and Coach (Venables) taught me how to prepare well. You treat it like college classes. You can’t just go to class and expect to do well. You have to come in and do things on your own.”
Davis attends Clemson with his identical twin brother, Judah Davis. They both play the same position for the Tigers.
You would think that the competitive nature of “sibling rivalry” would remain true for this duo as they fight for playing time, but it isn’t the case.
J.D. Davis is very supportive of his brother, and they both want each other to succeed as much as possible.
“I play for my brother. He’s one of the reasons why I play. I would love to see him play,” Davis said.
“It’s just cool having him beside me keeping me grounded saying ‘Hey, you got to do better.’ Or ‘Hey, you did great there.’ He’s just being very supportive right now, and that’s huge for my confidence.”
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was annoyed by some people saying that J.D. and Judah only have a spot on the team because of the legacy their father left at Clemson.
"Sometimes you see things that other people don’t see," Swinney said at his Tuesday press conference. "We don’t have two better winners on this team than J.D. and Judah Davis. They have earned their opportunity."
The Davis twins have played football together their whole lives. Their best “twin story” came when they were seniors in high school on the gridiron.
They were playing Easley, Daniel’s arch-rival and J.D had a pick-six while Judah had two forced fumbles and three sacks.
“Just being able to play together is probably my greatest moments with (Judah),” Davis said.
Swinney has watched the twins develop together since day one and no one should be surprised at the position they are in right now.
"(They have) unbelievable work ethic. No shocker there. That’s their DNA," Swinney said.
Sounds like dad raised them right.
When Davis takes the field against Wake Forest in Death Valley, he’ll look up and see his father’s name in the Ring of Honor, just as he does every week.
One would imagine the surreal feeling to play football with your brother for the school you grew up rooting for. Not to mention where your father won a national title.
Another national championship to the family name was a bonus, but it was never about just football.
“My dad’s number one thing was just about me becoming a great man, and I knew I could do that at Clemson. Football was just a bonus.”
