Jadyn Davis taking strides in second season with Michigan Wolverines, aiming to push Bryce Underwood for starting job
2024 was a rough season for quarterback Jadyn Davis. Despite the Michigan Wolverines' rotating lineup of poor quarterback play, Davis appeared for just one snap all season. Even after Alex Orji entered the transfer portal, Orji appeared in the bowl game ahead of Davis, signaling just how ready the staff felt Davis was. With a […]
2024 was a rough season for quarterback Jadyn Davis. Despite the Michigan Wolverines' rotating lineup of poor quarterback play, Davis appeared for just one snap all season. Even after Alex Orji entered the transfer portal, Orji appeared in the bowl game ahead of Davis, signaling just how ready the staff felt Davis was.
With a new offensive coordinator in town and another season under his belt, Davis has turned a corner and hit his stride. Having time off has helped him rebuild his confidence, something that Michigan passing game coordinator Ron Bellamy noted recently.
"I think for a quarterback, having the poise and the confidence within themselves is important. He knows the system, he’s striving every day, making plays, knowing where to go with the ball. For him, just a totally different kid, a more confident version of himself. He’s doing a heck of a job. Really love where he’s at.”
The 2022 North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year, Davis was the ninth-ranked quarterback in the 2024 class and was Michigan's third-highest recruit that year. Davis built a wildly successful and productive high school career with over 40 starts and over 100 touchdown passes at Charlotte Providence Day.
While it doesn't seem likely that Davis will beat out Bryce Underwood for the starting job, Davis turning into a viable competitor and backup quarterback that has the trust of the coaching staff would be a massive development for both Davis and the Wolverines' team.
The team needs to have faith in their backup in case of a potential injury to Bryce Underwood. While nobody wishes to consider injuries, it's prudent to plan for them in case it does happen. If Davis proves he can handle the added responsibilities and earns the faith of the coaching staff, maybe they don't have to feel like they need to pursue a transfer quarterback (or two) in the upcoming spring transfer portal window and can focus their attention and resources on other positions of need.
