A Tennessee Vols offensive lineman, who has often gone underappreciated, declared on Thursday that he will be returning for the 2024 season. Dayne Davis, a former preferred walk-on, shared his decision to continue playing for Tennessee next fall, utilizing his final season of eligibility.
In a social media post on Thursday, Davis expressed his sentiment, stating, “Growing up a fan of the Vols and being able to wear the T every Saturday for the past five years, I couldn’t pass up on an opportunity for one more year to compete with my brothers for a championship.” He emphasized his commitment to staying in Knoxville for another year, citing his connection to Rocky Top, Tennessee, as the driving force behind his decision.
Hailing from Bluff City, TN, Davis joined the Vols in 2019 after an impressive career at Sullivan East High School. Throughout his tenure on Rocky Top, Davis has assumed various roles, contributing significantly to the team’s performance. In 2021, he played in all 13 games, making three starts at right tackle. The following year, Davis once again played in all 13 games, showcasing his versatility at both left and right tackle, with notable snaps at left tackle in a victory against LSU in Baton Rouge.
During the recent season, Davis started the final three games at right tackle and also demonstrated his adaptability by playing at center when Cooper Mays was unavailable early in the season. While he may not be considered a “star player,” Davis has consistently provided valuable contributions to the Vols, offering essential snaps and experience.
His decision to return for the 2024 season is particularly significant for the Vols’ offensive line depth, a crucial asset in the current landscape of college football, where building quality depth has become increasingly challenging, especially with the prevalence of the transfer portal.
