MADISON- Already named First Team All-State, Daevion Davis of James Clemens has also been named one of three finalists for the Class 7A Lineman of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. The 6-foot-2, 315-pound defensive lineman is a junior.

“He was definitely the best player on the field for us this season, “said Wade Waldrop head coach of James Clemens.

“I feel I had a good season, but it didn’t come easy and I’m proud to be among the players chosen for the award,” said Davis who had 110 tackles including 14 sacks and two blocked kicks in 2017. “This past summer my coaches told me they were looking for me to lead this team since we lost many key players off the 2016 team. Being named a finalist feels great as my hard work has seemed to have paid off.”

Davis is also among 48 finalists from all classifications for the ASWA’s Mr. Football Award to be presented at a special banquet on Jan. 17.

Being a highly touted player the recruiting war for his talents has really just began, but already his phone has lit up and his mailbox filled with messages from a plethora of major college football programs. Davis said some surprises have already taken place as both Louisville and Indiana have reached out to him. “The major programs from the SEC have also contacted me,” added Davis. “I took three visits to Auburn during the recent season and Mississippi State I thought was a great environment. Several others schools have contacted me, but haven’t pulled the trigger on a scholarship offer.”

Davis has a 3.5 grade point average and will participate in the school’s track program this spring. In the meantime, he has dedicated his off-season work to helping the Jets have a splendid senior season in 2018 after the Jets fell to a 2017 record of 3-7 including 2-5 in region play.

“I wouldn’t want to be at any other program,” said Davis. “Coach Waldrop told me when I was a freshman there was a narrow path to success and that is the correct way to be successful. I thank all of my coaches and teammates for their help.”