One of the most underappreciated Tennessee Vols in recent memory said goodbye to the program on Sunday after exhausting his eligibility.
Offensive lineman Dayne Davis spent six seasons at Tennessee, joining the program as a walk on in 2019 when Jeremy Pruitt was the Volunteers’ head coach.
Davis, who is from nearby Bluff City, TN, proved to be an important player for Tennessee during his time on Rocky Top as he made starts at right tackle and left tackle while also playing some center in 2023 when starter Cooper Mays was injured.
“Thank you, Tennessee. Thank you for giving a local boy all the little kid in him wanted…a shot to play for the Big Orange on Fall Saturdays in Neyland Stadium,” wrote Davis on Sunday. “The memories and friendships I have made I will remember and cherish for a lifetime.”
fensive lineman went down in the middle of a game, or couldn’t play due to injury, Davis was there to pick up the slack. Without Davis, the Vols’ offensive line depth would’ve been severely limited at times over the last few seasons.
In an era that’s dominated by lucrative NIL deals and the NCAA transfer portal, Davis is a reminder of what the sport is really all about — a local kid who was unrated as a recruit living out his dream for the program he grew up rooting for. That’s the kind of stuff that makes college football so special.
