Back Injury Curtails the Career of Drew Davis

Rising redshirt junior defensive end Drew Davis had back surgery before NC State's Bitcoin Bowl win over Central Florida. It turns out the injury is career ending. Davis is expected to remain in school and complete his degree, but he will not return to the gridiron.

The 6-3, 250-pound Raleigh native had a career high five tackles in 2013 against UNC, where his brother played basketball. As a backup to Art Norman at end, Davis saw action in 11 games in 2014, starting one. He made 15 tackles, including one for a loss, with one quarterback pressure. Davis was a prolific tackler as a linebacker at Broughton High, where he recorded over 150 tackles as a senior and forced four fumbles, earning his conferences co-defensive player of the year award.

The departure of Davis leaves senior Mike Rose as the only upperclassmen with experience at end, though Rose is a good one. His 46 total tackles were second among State linemen and his 14 tackles for a loss led the team. Rose was second on the club with five sacks. The crown jewel of the 2014 recruiting class, Kentavius Street, and the athletic Pharoah McKever, also return after showing flashes of promise in their freshmen campaigns. Incoming recruit Darian Roseboro, who runs a 4.6 40 despite carrying nearly 300 pounds on his 6-4 frame, will also figure prominently in the mix at DE.

Here's to hoping Davis leads a full and healthy life without football. Study hard, son, and thanks for your contributions to the program.