Corey Davis (wide receiver) explained

Corey Davis
Current Team:Free agent
Position:Wide receiver
Birth Date:11 January 1995
Birth Place:Wheaton, Illinois, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:3
Weight Lbs:209
High School:Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton, Illinois)
College:Western Michigan (2013–2016)
Draftyear:2017
Draftround:1
Draftpick:5
Pastteams:
Highlights:
Statseason:2023
Statlabel1:Receptions
Statvalue1:273
Statlabel2:Receiving yards
Statvalue2:3,879
Statlabel3:Receiving touchdowns
Statvalue3:17
Pfr:DaviCo03

Corey Damon Davis[1] (born January 11, 1995) is an American professional football wide receiver who is a free agent. He played college football for the Western Michigan Broncos, where he became the NCAA Division I FBS leader in career receiving yards. He was selected by the Tennessee Titans fifth overall in the 2017 NFL draft, where he played for four seasons before signing with the New York Jets.

Early life

The second youngest of seven siblings, Davis attended Wheaton Warrenville South High School in Wheaton, Illinois. As a sophomore, he was called up to varsity to play alongside his big brother Titus Davis, who went on to become the all-time leading receiver in touchdowns and yards from scrimmage for Central Michigan University.[2] The duo were part of the Tigers 2010 perfect 14–0 Illinois Class 7A state championship team. As a senior, Corey finished the season 45 receptions and 6 receiving touchdowns. During his youth football years playing for the Wheaton Rams he forged a close friendship with the son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Dan Graham. At the end of his junior year, he decided to move out of his family's 2-bedroom apartment and move in with the Graham family and they would later become Davis' legal guardians. Davis did not receive any scholarships until late in his senior year. Davis struggled in school throughout his first three years of high school. The Grahams hired a personal tutor for him so he could get his grade point average high enough to be eligible to receive an NCAA scholarship. After graduation, Davis committed to Western Michigan University to play college football, which was his only Division I scholarship.[3]

College career

As a true freshman at Western Michigan in 2013, Davis set school freshman records with 67 receptions for 941 yards and was named the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Freshman of the Year.[4] [5] As a sophomore in 2014, Davis had 78 receptions for 1,408 yards and 15 touchdowns.[6]

As a junior in 2015, Davis had 90 receptions for 1,436 yards and 12 touchdowns.[7] [8]

Against the Toledo Rockets on November 25, 2016, Davis became the all-time FBS leader in receiving yards, breaking the record previously held by Nevada's Trevor Insley.[9] He was named conference Offensive Player of the Year as well as First-team All-MAC.[10]

Davis majored in sports management.

College statistics

SeasonTeamGPReceivingRushing
Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds Avg TD
Western Michigan11 67 941 14.0 6 1 2 2.0 0
Western Michigan12 78 1,408 18.1 15 0 0 0.0 0
Western Michigan13 90 1,436 16.0 12 1 11 11.0 0
Western Michigan14 97 1,500 15.5 19 1 0 0.0 0
Career 50 332 5,285 15.9 52 3 13 4.3 0
NCAA Division 1 FBS all-time record

Professional career

Pre-draft

Davis attended the NFL Scouting Combine, but was unable to participate in athletic drills due to an ankle injury.[11] Davis reportedly scored 31 on the Wonderlic test.[12] Despite an injury leaving Davis unable to perform pre-draft workouts, he was still considered a top wide receiver prospect eligible for the 2017 NFL draft class.[13] [14]

Tennessee Titans

2017 season

The Tennessee Titans selected Davis in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.[15] He is the highest draft selection from Western Michigan University.[16]

On July 29, 2017, the Titans signed Davis to a fully guaranteed four-year, $25.39 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $16.60 million.[17] Davis made his NFL debut in the Titans' season-opening 26–16 loss to the Oakland Raiders and caught six receptions for 69 yards.[18] Battling a hamstring injury for much of the season, Davis finished his rookie year with 34 receptions for 375 yards.[19] On January 13, 2018, Davis caught his first two NFL touchdowns from Marcus Mariota in the 2017 American Football Conference Divisional Round 35–14 loss to the New England Patriots. He finished the game with five receptions for 63 yards and the two aforementioned touchdowns.[20]

2018 season

During Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Davis had a career game with nine receptions for 161 yards, including the game-winning touchdown from Marcus Mariota in overtime.[21] On November 11, Davis had another great outing against the Patriots, catching seven passes for 125 yards and a touchdown as the Titans won by a score of 34–10.[22] Two weeks later in a 34–17 road loss to the Houston Texans, he had one rush for 39 yards and caught four passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. In the next game against the New York Jets, Davis rushed once for 12 yards and caught three passes for 42 yards including the game-winning touchdown with less than a minute remaining.[23]

Davis finished his second professional season with 891 receiving yards, four receiving touchdowns, and 55 rushing yards in 16 games and starts.[24] He led the Titans in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.[25]

2019 season

During Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, Davis caught five passes for 91 yards and his first receiving touchdown of the season in the 24–10 road victory.[26] Three weeks later against the Los Angeles Chargers, Davis caught his second touchdown of the season as the Titans won by a score of 23–20.[27] He did not play in Week 10 against the Kansas City Chiefs due to a hip injury.[28] Davis finished his third season with 43 receptions for 601 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games and 11 starts.[29] In the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens, he caught a three-yard touchdown pass from running back Derrick Henry in the 28–12 road victory.[30]

2020 season

On May 1, 2020, the Titans declined the fifth-year option on Davis' contract, making him a free agent in 2021. He was placed on the team's active/physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp on July 28, 2020.[31] He was activated on August 17, 2020, after passing a physical.[32]

In the 2020 regular season opener for the Titans, Davis had seven receptions for 101 receiving yards in the 16–14 victory over the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.[33] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on October 7,[34] and activated on October 19.[35] In Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he had eight receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown in the 31–20 loss.[36] During Week 10 against the Indianapolis Colts, Davis elected to play a day after the death of his older brother to cancer, recording five catches for 67 yards.[37] [38] In Week 11 against the Ravens, Davis recorded five catches for 113 yards during the 30–24 overtime win.[39] In Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns, Davis caught eleven passes for 182 yards, both career highs, along with a touchdown reception in the 41–35 loss.[40] In Week 15 against the Detroit Lions, Davis recorded four catches for 110 yards, including a 75 yard touchdown reception, during the 46–25 win.[41] Davis finished the 2020 season with 65 receptions for 984 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.[42]

Following the season, Davis was ranked 91st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.[43]

New York Jets

2021

On March 18, 2021, Davis signed with the Jets on a three-year, $37.5 million contract.[44] [45] He made his Jets debut in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, recording five catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns. He caught the first career touchdown pass of rookie Zach Wilson's career.[46] In Week 4 against the Titans he had four catches for 111 yards and a touchdown.[47] In Week 7 against the Patriots, he caught Mike White's first career touchdown pass.[48] On December 7, 2021, Davis was placed on injured reserve after undergoing core muscle surgery.[49] He finished his first season with the Jets with 34 catches for 492 yards and four touchdowns through nine games.[50]

2022

The 2022 season led to similar results for Davis, who was again hampered by injuries throughout the campaign. He finished the year with 32 receptions for 536 receiving yards, while playing in thirteen games.[51]

Temporary retirement

On August 23, 2023, Davis announced via his Instagram page that he was taking a break from football.[52] His roster status was announced to be reserve/retired, meaning while retired, the Jets retain his rights should he decide to return.

On March 14, 2024, Davis applied for reinstatement, and the Jets officially released him off of the reserve/retired list, making him a free agent.[53]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

YearTeamGamesReceivingRushingFumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Att Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
TEN11 9 34 375 11.0 37 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 1
TEN16 16 65 89113.7 51 4 6 559.2 39 0 1 0
TEN15 11 43 601 14.0 38 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 0
TEN14 12 65 984 15.1 75 5 0 0 0.0 0 0 11
NYJ9 9 34 492 14.5 53 4 0 0 0.0 0 0 21
NYJ13 10 32 536 16.8 66 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
Career 78 67 273 3,879 14.2 75 17 6 55 9.2 39 0 6 3

Postseason

YearTeamGamesReceivingRushingFumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Att Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
TEN2 2 9 98 10.9 17 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
TEN3 3 6 68 11.3 22 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
TEN1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
Career 6 5 15 166 11.1 22 3 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Corey Davis Titans Biography . November 4, 2020 . TitansOnline.com.
  2. Web site: Skrbina . Paul . April 27, 2017 . Titans tab Wheaton Warrenville South graduate Corey Davis fifth in NFL draft . October 11, 2018 . Chicago Tribune . en-US.
  3. Web site: DeCamp . Scott . August 8, 2017 . The 25 most overlooked Michigan college football recruits over the last 20 years . October 11, 2018 . MLive.com . en-US.
  4. Web site: Drew . David . November 14, 2013 . Finding his way: Western Michigan's Corey Davis overcomes unstable upbringing to become nation's top freshman receiver . December 3, 2020 . MLive.com.
  5. Web site: Drew . David . December 4, 2013 . WMU football WR Corey Davis named MAC Freshman of the Year . December 3, 2020 . MLive.com.
  6. Web site: Schmid . Scott . August 5, 2015 . Wheaton Warrenville South grad Corey Davis making a name for himself at Western Michigan . November 7, 2022 . My Suburban Life.
  7. Web site: Rittenberg . Adam . August 2, 2016 . Western Michigan's Corey Davis is the best player you haven't heard of ... yet . December 18, 2020 . ESPN.com . en.
  8. Web site: Dacey . Justin . April 7, 2016 . Western Michigan's Corey Davis developing into complete leader with 'unfinished business' on mind . November 7, 2022 . MLive.com.
  9. Web site: Zucker . Joseph . November 25, 2016 . Corey Davis Sets Record for Most Career Receiving Yards in FBS History . May 1, 2019 . Bleacher Report . en.
  10. Web site: November 30, 2016 . MAC Announces 2016 All-MAC Teams and Postseason Awards . November 7, 2022 . getsomemaction.com . en.
  11. Web site: Cockerham . Carl . April 22, 2017 . WMU WR Corey Davis Progressing Well in Rehab . November 7, 2022 . With The First Pick.
  12. Web site: McGinn . Bob . March 4, 2017 . 2017 NFL Draft Outlook . November 7, 2022 . Packers News.
  13. Web site: NFL Draft Prospects . CBSSports.com.
  14. Web site: WalterFootball.com: 2017 NFL Draft: Wide Receiver Rankings . November 7, 2022 . walterfootball.com.
  15. Web site: 2017 NFL Draft Listing . October 11, 2018 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  16. Web site: Patra . Kevin . April 27, 2017 . Titans pick Corey Davis with fifth selection . November 7, 2022 . NFL.com.
  17. Web site: Spotrac.com: Corey Davis contract . April 7, 2018 . spotrac.com.
  18. Web site: Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans – September 10th, 2017 . October 6, 2017 . Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  19. Web site: Corey Davis 2017 Game Log . May 1, 2019 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  20. Web site: Divisional Round – Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots – January 13th, 2018 . January 18, 2018 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  21. Web site: Wyatt . Jim . September 30, 2018 . Titans WR Corey Davis Snatches Victory from Air with Game-Winning Catch in Overtime . September 30, 2018 . Tennessee Titans . en.
  22. Web site: November 11, 2018 . Titans' Corey Davis: Burns Patriots for 125 yards, TD . May 1, 2019 . CBSSports.com . en.
  23. Web site: Wyatt . Jim . December 2, 2018 . Corey Davis Scores Game-Winning 11-yard TD . December 2, 2018 . Tennessee Titans . en.
  24. Web site: Corey Davis 2018 Game Log . March 12, 2019 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  25. Web site: 2018 Tennessee Titans Statistics & Players . March 12, 2019 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  26. Web site: September 29, 2019 . Mariota throws 3 first-half TD passes, Titans drop Falcons . September 29, 2019 . ESPN.com . Associated Press.
  27. Web site: Los Angeles Chargers at Tennessee Titans – October 20th, 2019 . March 30, 2020 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  28. Web site: Alper . Josh . November 8, 2019 . Corey Davis likely to miss Sunday's game against Chiefs . March 30, 2020 . ProFootballTalk . en-US.
  29. Web site: Corey Davis 2019 Game Log . March 30, 2020 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  30. Web site: January 11, 2020 . Titans stun Ravens, head to AFC title game with 28–12 win . January 11, 2020 . ESPN.com . Associated Press.
  31. Web site: Wyatt . Jim . July 28, 2020 . Titans Place OLB Vic Beasley on Reserve/Did Not Report List at Start of Training Camp . July 29, 2020 . TennesseeTitans.com.
  32. Web site: Wyatt . Jim . August 17, 2020 . Titans WR Corey Davis Passes Physical, is Taken Off PUP List . August 17, 2020 . TennesseeTitans.com.
  33. Web site: Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos – September 14th, 2020 . September 18, 2020 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  34. Web site: Williams . Charean . October 7, 2020 . Titans place Corey Davis on COVID-19 list . October 26, 2020 . NBCSports.com.
  35. Web site: Nothaft . Patrick . October 19, 2020 . Tennessee Titans activate former WMU star Corey Davis from COVID-19 list . October 26, 2020 . MLive.com.
  36. Web site: Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals – November 1st, 2020 . November 4, 2020 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  37. Web site: Davenport . Turron . November 13, 2020 . Titans' Davis faced Colts day after brother died . December 18, 2020 . ESPN.com . en.
  38. Web site: Patra . Kevin . November 13, 2020 . Titans WR Corey Davis plays day after brother's death: 'I tried to honor him tonight' . December 18, 2020 . NFL.com . en-US.
  39. Web site: Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens – November 22nd, 2020 . November 24, 2020 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  40. Web site: Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans – December 6th, 2020 . December 8, 2020 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  41. Web site: Detroit Lions at Tennessee Titans – December 20th, 2020 . December 20, 2020 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  42. Web site: Corey Davis 2020 Game Log . November 7, 2022 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  43. Web site: 2021 NFL Top 100 . November 7, 2022 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  44. Web site: Lange . Randy . March 18, 2021 . Jets Sign WR Corey Davis . November 7, 2022 . NewYorkJets.com.
  45. Web site: Goodman . Max . March 15, 2021 . Jets Land Top Wide Receiver in Free Agency, Signing Corey Davis to Three-Year Deal . March 19, 2021 . SI.com.
  46. Web site: New York Jets at Carolina Panthers – September 12th, 2021 . November 7, 2022 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  47. Web site: Tennessee Titans at New York Jets – October 3rd, 2021 . November 7, 2022 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  48. Web site: New York Jets at New England Patriots – October 24th, 2021 . November 7, 2022 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  49. Web site: Greenberg . Ethan . December 7, 2021 . Jets Sign RB Austin Walter, Place WR Corey Davis on Injured Reserve . November 7, 2022 . NewYorkJets.com.
  50. Web site: Corey Davis 2021 Game Log . November 7, 2022 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  51. Web site: How the New York Jets Will Replace Departed First-Round Pick . August 25, 2023 .
  52. Web site: Jets WR Corey Davis Announces Intention to Step Away from Football. NewYorkJets.com. August 23, 2023. August 23, 2023. Eric. Allen.
  53. Web site: Wide Receiver Corey Davis Applied For Reinstatement, Joining A Free Agent Class Lacking Exciting Playmakers. March 18, 2024. lastwordonsports.com. en.