Son Of Former NFL Star Thomas Davis Announces Major College Commitment
11/12/2024 07:30 PM
For 16 seasons, Thomas Davis Sr. was one of the most consistent and reliable linebackers in the NFL.
An All-American at the University of Georgia and a first-round draft pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2005, Davis made three Pro Bowls and earned first-team All-Pro honors once in 14 seasons in Carolina. He then closed out his career with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019 and Washington Football Team in 2020.
Nowadays, it's Davis' son Thomas Jr. who makes the headlines on the field. A four-star prospect out of Matthews (N.C.) Weddington High School, Davis Jr. is the 11th-ranked linebacker in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports' Composite Rankings.
On Tuesday, the younger Davis announced a verbal commitment to Notre Dame, picking the Fighting Irish over Ohio State, Michigan, North Carolina and Tennessee, among others.
"It felt like home," Davis told On3's Steve Wiltfong. "The three visits I've been on, they welcomed me and they have a plan developing players on and off the field and it's a great program overall."
Recently, Notre Dame has made a habit of landing the offspring of former NFL stars. The Irish already have three NFL legacies committed for 2025: Jerome Bettis Jr. and James Flanigan, whose fathers both played at Notre Dame, and Elijah Burress, son of Super Bowl champion wide receiver Plaxico Burress.
Davis Jr., who recorded 92 tackles as a sophomore in 2023, "flashed at numerous off-season events," 247Sports' Greg Biggins said back in May.
"High football IQ, shows the ability to line up all over and can make plays at all three levels," Biggins wrote. "Reactionary athlete who moves well in space and shows good explosiveness running down plays from behind. Strong in blitz situations and has natural pass rush skill. Really strong frame, well put together, especially in his upper body. Physical hitter at the point of attack who probably projects best as a mike 'backer in college. Can take on blocks, disengage and makes plays sideline to sideline. Comfortable in coverage and has shown the ability to play some safety and even some nickel."
Currently, Notre Dame has three prospects committed for 2026, with Davis joining four-star quarterback Noah Grubbs and three-star wide receiver Dylan Faison.
