Did a search on CaneShooter.com for an image of freshman cornerback Vernon Davis and came up with nothing. (Note: JC Ridley fired over a pic. Thanks JC.)
Checked the depth chart moments ago and the true freshman was nowhere to be found, despite the lack of bodies at the position and others newbies in the secondary asserting themselves and making a name — most notably, freshmen Tracy Howard, Deon Bush, Antonio Crawford and Rashawn Jenkins, as well as JUCO transfer Ladarius Gunter.
For some reason, Davis remains buried on the depth chart and completely off the grid.
As a result, multiple local news outlets are reporting that Davis has asked for, and has been granted, his request for transfer. The true freshman cornerback stopped practicing with the Canes last week and soon asked for his release.
Davis was a three-star prospect out of Coral Reef High School, where as a senior he had seventeen tackles and two interceptions. He chose Miami over Nebraska, South Carolina and a handful of other major programs, verbally committing in June 2011.
Seems like Davis wanted to be a Cane from the get-go. A local product who committed early, a kid putting in the work and someone who obviously bought into head coach Al Golden and staff, never wavering from that verbal, despite the Nevin Shapiro bomb dropping within months of his commitment.
With all that said, why now? Two weeks from kickoff and playing a position where several new faces will get their chance to shine? Miami is ridiculously thin at corner. Davis would’ve seen the field at some point this year, unless of course there’s some underlying theme – an issue between he and the coaching staff and something irreparable.
Should that be the case, prepare to never know the whole story. As UM faithful have seen this off-season, the cloud of secrecy surrounded off-the-field issues with former safety Ray-Ray Armstrong, as well as in-the-doghouse offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson, “The U” remains tight-lipped with things of this nature.
Of course the bigger story is Davis – an 18-year old true freshman facing some real-life decisions. Miami, on the other hand, must continue rebuilding. Kickoff is just over a week away and recruiting for the 2013 class rolls on.
The Canes are expected to only sign about fifteen kids next February, but Golden and staff are still secondary-focused, with four-star cornerback Artie Burns and four-start safety Jamal Carter committing to UM. Will another roster spot to go a corner with the departure of Davis? We’ll see.
A dream went unrealized and he feels now is the time to jump ship. Without knowing the whole story, as fans, all the U Family can do is wish him well. He has his reasons and hopefully this won’ t have a drastic impact on his football career.