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Derius Davis
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Derius Richaud Davis (born September 11, 2000) is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the TCU Horned Frogs before being selected by the Chargers in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Davis grew up in St. Francisville, Louisiana and attended West Feliciana High School, where he helped lead the Saints to a 3A state championship as a senior in 2017[1] and also starred in track, winning the 200-meter dash at the state meet.[2]
Rated as a 3-star prospect, Davis chose to play his college football at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas over a scholarship offer from Tennessee.[3] He enrolled at TCU in the summer of 2018.
College career
[edit]Davis scored two touchdowns in his collegiate debut, the Frogs' 2018 season opener, a 55–7 home victory over Southern – first on a 12-yard reception and later on a 73-yard punt return.[4] In the regular season finale, his 24-yard touchdown reception from Grayson Muehlstein in the 4th quarter helped seal a home victory over Oklahoma State which earned TCU bowl eligibility and a trip to play Cal in the Cheez-It Bowl.[5] He ended his freshman campaign with 8 receptions for 104 yards.
After catching 11 passes for 151 yards as a sophomore in 2019, Davis took over primary punt return duties from Jalen Reagor as a junior in 2020. His second and third career punt return touchdowns came in road victories over Baylor[6] and Kansas.[7] In November, he once again came up with a clutch touchdown reception against Oklahoma State, scoring on a 71-yard pass from Max Duggan in the 4th quarter of the Frogs' 29–22 upset victory over the 15th-ranked Cowboys.[8]
Davis became a much more central part of TCU's offense in 2021, leading the Frogs with 36 receptions and placing second on the team with 536 receiving yards on the season. He set new career highs with 6 receptions and 106 yards in a home win against Kansas[9] and scored his first career kickoff return against West Virginia.[10]
Taking advantage of the NCAA decision to grant an extra year of eligibility to athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis elected to return to TCU for a second senior season in 2022. He scored the Frogs' first points of the season on a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown, the fourth of his career, in the first half of the opener at Colorado.[11] In a late September road victory over crosstown rival SMU, Davis caught a short pass from Duggan and took it 80 yards for a touchdown. On the play, Davis was clocked at a top speed of 23.47mph – becoming the only player in all of college football or the NFL to break the 23 mph barrier in game play.[12] During TCU's 12–0 start to the season, Davis set a new career high with 7 receptions in a blowout win over 18th-ranked Oklahoma[13] and added touchdown receptions in come-from-behind victories over 19th-ranked Kansas,[14] 17th-ranked Kansas State[15] and Texas Tech. In the game against Tech, he also notched his fifth career punt return touchdown, an 82-yarder, to break the school record that was previously held by KaVontae Turpin.[16] At the conclusion of the regular season, he was named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year.[17]
Professional career
[edit]Davis was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 USFL draft by the Birmingham Stallions.[18]
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 8+3⁄8 in (1.74 m) |
165 lb (75 kg) |
29+1⁄4 in (0.74 m) |
8 in (0.20 m) |
4.36 s | 1.46 s | 2.50 s | 4.38 s | 7.23 s | 30.5 in (0.77 m) |
9 ft 7 in (2.92 m) |
17 reps | |
| Sources:[19][20] | ||||||||||||
Davis was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth round, 125th overall, of the 2023 NFL draft.[21]
In Week 9 during Monday Night Football against the New York Jets, Davis returned a punt 87 yards for a touchdown, leading to the Chargers winning 27–6, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance.[22] He was named to the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team.[23]
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Bold | Career high |
Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | Rushing | Fumbles | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | ||
| 2023 | LAC | 17 | 2 | 15 | 66 | 4.4 | 18 | 0 | 14 | 101 | 7.2 | 51 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| 2024 | LAC | 15 | 2 | 13 | 112 | 8.6 | 23 | 2 | 12 | 39 | 3.3 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Career | 32 | 4 | 28 | 178 | 6.4 | 23 | 2 | 26 | 140 | 5.4 | 51 | 0 | 6 | 1 | |
Notes
[edit]- ^ Selected as a punt returner
References
[edit]- ^ Gegenheimer, Mike (September 1, 2018). "Former West Feliciana star Derius Davis lights up hometown Southern in collegiate debut". Baton Rouge Advocate. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
- ^ "Derius Davis Track & Field results". Athletic.net. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
- ^ "Derius Davis, West Feliciana , Cornerback". 247Sports. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ "Robinson 5 TDs for No. 16 TCU in 55-7 win over Southern U". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 1, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
- ^ "TCU gets bowl eligible again with 31-24 win over Oklahoma St". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 25, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
- ^ "TCU 33, Baylor 23". ESPN. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
- ^ "TCU 59, Kansas 23". ESPN. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
- ^ "QB Duggan paces TCU in 29-22 win over No. 19 Oklahoma State". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 5, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
- ^ "TCU 31, Kansas 28". ESPN. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
- ^ "West Virginia tops TCU 29-17 despite TD kick return at start". ESPN. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
- ^ "TCU cruises by Colorado 38-13 to kick off Sonny Dykes era". ESPN. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
- ^ Mujid, Zaakirah (October 25, 2022). "TCU's Derius Davis is fastest ball carrier, even among NFL". BVM Sports. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
- ^ "Duggan, TCU rout No. 18 Oklahoma 55-24". ESPN. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
- ^ "Duggan, Johnston lead No. 17 TCU past Kansas". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 8, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
- ^ "No. 8 TCU rallies again to beat No. 17 K-State for B12 lead". ESPN.
- ^ "No. 7 TCU pulls away for 9-0 in 34-24 win over Texas Tech". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 5, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "2022 All-Big 12 Football Awards Announced". Big 12 Conference. November 30, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ Schofield, Mark (February 21, 2023). "USFL Draft 2023 live tracker: Updates on picks from spring football league". SB Nation.
- ^ "Derius Davis Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
- ^ "2023 NFL Draft Scout Derius Davis College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
- ^ Navarro, Omar (April 29, 2023). "5 Things to Know About New Chargers WR Derius Davis". Chargers.com. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ Gordon, Grant (November 8, 2023). "Texans QB C.J. Stroud, Vikings QB Joshua Dobbs highlight Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ "2023 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from NFL.com · ESPN · Yahoo Sports
- Los Angeles Chargers bio
- TCU Horned Frogs bio
Derius Davis
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Upbringing in Louisiana
Derius Davis was born on September 11, 2000, in St. Francisville, Louisiana, a small rural town in West Feliciana Parish with a population of around 1,700 residents.[2] This close-knit community, known for its historical significance and emphasis on local traditions, provided a supportive environment for Davis's early years.[9] Davis grew up in a family-oriented household as the son of Derek Turner Sr. and his wife, taking his mother's surname while his older brother, Derek Turner—born a year earlier—took their father's.[9] The brothers shared a strong bond, often discussing their futures together amid the town's extended family network and communal support for youth activities. St. Francisville's environment, bolstered by parish-wide recreational facilities, highlighted community involvement in sports from an early age.[10] Davis transitioned into formal schooling within the West Feliciana Parish system, where initial academic interests began to intersect with emerging athletic pursuits.[4]High school career at West Feliciana
Derius Davis attended West Feliciana High School in St. Francisville, Louisiana, where he participated in varsity football and track and field.[11] Initially recruited and playing primarily as a cornerback, Davis demonstrated versatility by transitioning to wide receiver and contributing on offense during his high school tenure.[12][4] In football, Davis helped lead West Feliciana to the 2017 Louisiana Class 3A state championship as a senior.[6] That season, he recorded 12 receptions for 485 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns, while also rushing for 408 yards on 58 carries with eight rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.[13] Defensively, as a cornerback, he earned a No. 3 ranking in Louisiana and No. 48 nationally at his position.[4] Davis also excelled in track and field, competing in sprint events including the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter dashes.[14] He won the Louisiana Class 3A state title in the 200-meter dash three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018, and claimed the 400-meter state championship in 2018 with a time of 47.76 seconds.[6][15] In 2018, he anchored the 4x100-meter relay team to a state-record time of 41.06 seconds, contributing to West Feliciana's overall Class 3A boys track and field team championship.[16] His personal records included 10.68 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 21.41 seconds in the 200-meter dash.[17] Davis's athletic achievements garnered three-star recruiting status, and he committed to Texas Christian University (TCU) in July 2017 as a receiver, marking the school's first Power Five commitment since 2014.[18][19][20]College career
2018 freshman season
Derius Davis joined the Texas Christian University (TCU) football program in 2018 as a highly touted recruit known for his speed and versatility. In his freshman year, he appeared in 11 games, recording 8 receptions for 104 yards and 2 touchdowns. On special teams, he had 2 punt returns for 80 yards including a 73-yard touchdown in his collegiate debut against Southern University, and 6 kickoff returns for 78 yards. These performances earned him Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Week honors.[5][21]Early years at TCU (2019–2021)
In these foundational seasons, Davis gradually adapted to the increased physicality and speed of Big 12 competition, facing challenges from a deep receiving corps that limited his initial offensive opportunities while honing his skills on special teams.[22] During the 2019 season, Davis appeared in 12 games primarily in a reserve role, recording 11 receptions for 151 yards, with no receiving touchdowns, alongside three rushes for 18 yards. His return duties were minimal, limited to two kickoff returns for 22 yards, reflecting his adjustment to college-level demands amid position competition from established receivers like Jalen Reagor. Overall, he contributed 191 all-purpose yards, including a fumble lost, as he focused on development in practice and special teams drills.[5] Davis's role expanded in the 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic to nine games, where he emerged as a key punt returner while seeing modest offensive growth. He tallied 15 receptions for 209 yards and one touchdown, plus seven rushes for 65 yards, but his standout contributions came on special teams with 15 punt returns for 218 yards and two touchdowns, including a 71-yard score against Baylor—one of only three players nationally to achieve multiple punt return scores that year. These efforts marked a 492-yard all-purpose total, signaling his maturation as a dynamic playmaker. He earned Big 12 Co-Special Teams Player of the Week honors after a performance versus Texas Tech.[5][23] By his junior year in 2021, Davis solidified his presence across multiple phases, playing in all 12 games with increased snaps. Offensively, he led the team in receptions with 36 for 518 yards and one touchdown, complemented by 10 rushes for 42 yards and one score, demonstrating his versatility from high school. On returns, he handled 16 kickoffs for 473 yards including one touchdown, and nine punts for 92 yards, amassing 1,125 all-purpose yards for the season. This progression highlighted his adaptation to college football's rigors, though he continued to navigate depth chart battles while contributing to team training and preparation.[5]Breakout 2022 season
In his senior year at TCU in 2022, Derius Davis emerged as a dynamic slot receiver and return specialist, significantly contributing to the Horned Frogs' undefeated regular season and Big 12 Championship win. As the primary punt returner, he led the Big 12 Conference with an average of 14.9 yards per punt return and ranked fourth nationally, becoming one of only three players in the country to score two punt return touchdowns that season.[5][6] His explosive returns provided critical field position advantages, helping fuel TCU's high-powered offense that averaged over 40 points per game en route to a College Football Playoff berth. Davis recorded 42 receptions for 531 yards and five receiving touchdowns, often operating out of the slot to exploit short-to-intermediate routes with his quickness and reliability honed from earlier seasons.[5] He also added 30 rushing yards on three carries, including one touchdown, showcasing his versatility in jet sweep plays. On special teams, Davis amassed 572 kick return yards on 28 attempts (20.4 average) and 268 punt return yards on 18 attempts, with his two punt return scores highlighting his game-changing speed. Over his 58-game TCU career, these senior totals capped accumulations of 1,145 kick return yards and 658 punt return yards, underscoring his consistent development as a returner.[5][24] Key performances defined Davis's breakout campaign, including a 60-yard punt return touchdown in the season opener against Colorado, which set the tone for TCU's 45-42 victory and earned him early recognition as a special teams threat.[25] Later, in a crucial Big 12 matchup against Texas Tech, he opened the scoring with an 82-yard punt return touchdown—the longest in TCU history—propelling the seventh-ranked Horned Frogs to a 34-24 win and earning him Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors.[26] These big plays not only boosted TCU's postseason momentum but also complemented the team's explosive passing attack led by quarterback Max Duggan. Davis's impact extended into the playoffs, where his returns and receiving prowess aided TCU's Cinderella run. In the Fiesta Bowl semifinal against Michigan, he contributed 75 kick return yards across four attempts, helping maintain field position during the Horned Frogs' thrilling 51-45 overtime victory—the first Big 12 win in College Football Playoff history.[27] Though TCU fell 65-7 to Georgia in the national championship, Davis provided a highlight with four receptions for 100 yards, including a 60-yard catch that showcased his ability to stretch the field even in defeat.[28] His multifaceted role was instrumental in TCU's 13-2 finish and first appearance in the College Football Playoff title game.[6]College awards and accolades
During his tenure at TCU, Derius Davis earned significant recognition for his prowess as a return specialist, culminating in the 2022 Jet Award, which honors the nation's top return specialist in college football.[29] His explosive 2022 season, featuring two punt return touchdowns and ranking fourth nationally in punt return average, directly contributed to this accolade.[5] Davis was also named a First-Team All-American as a punt returner by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).[30] Additionally, Phil Steele Publications selected him to their First-Team All-American squad in the same role.[21] In conference play, he was honored as the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year and earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors as a punt/kick returner.[31] These awards, alongside his invitation to the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl—an elite all-star showcase for NFL prospects—elevated Davis's profile among scouts. The recognition underscored his versatility and speed, significantly boosting his draft stock and contributing to his selection in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.[6] Over his five-year career at TCU, spanning 58 games, Davis amassed 1,513 receiving yards on 112 catches with 9 touchdowns, 1,145 kick return yards on 52 returns including 1 touchdown, and 658 punt return yards on 44 returns with 5 touchdowns.[5]Professional career
2023 NFL Draft and rookie year
Davis entered the 2023 NFL Draft as a highly regarded return specialist from TCU, where his explosive playmaking on special teams had elevated his draft stock. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he measured 5 feet 8 inches tall and 165 pounds, then clocked a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, ranking among the fastest wide receivers and highlighting his elite speed. Scouting reports praised his quickness, agility, and vision as a punt and kick returner, though his smaller frame and limited role as a receiver in college drew questions about his fit as a primary offensive weapon.[32][33][34] The Los Angeles Chargers selected Davis in the fourth round, 125th overall, on April 29, 2023, valuing his special teams prowess to bolster their return game. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $4,551,928, including $711,928 in guarantees, on May 12, 2023.[6][35] In his rookie season, Davis appeared in all 17 games for the Chargers, primarily contributing on special teams while seeing limited offensive snaps. As a receiver, he recorded 15 receptions for 66 yards on 17 targets, with no touchdowns, often used in gadget roles. On the ground, he added 101 rushing yards on 14 carries, including a 51-yard long. His standout impact came as a returner: he led the NFL with a 16.0-yard average on 24 punt returns, totaling 385 yards and one touchdown, while averaging 22.0 yards on 17 kickoff returns for 374 yards.[2][36] A highlight of Davis's rookie year was his 87-yard punt return touchdown against the New York Jets in Week 9 on Monday Night Football, which helped secure a 27-6 victory and showcased his breakaway ability. His exceptional return performance earned him second-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press as the league's top punt returner, along with selection to the NFL Players Association's All-Pro team and the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team, marking him as one of the most impactful special teams rookies.[37][38][7]2024 season
In his second NFL season, Derius Davis continued to serve primarily as a return specialist for the Los Angeles Chargers while seeing an expanded role on offense as a slot receiver, logging 148 offensive snaps across 15 games, which equated to approximately 14% of the team's total offensive plays.[2] His receiving production totaled 13 catches for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns, with the majority of his output occurring late in the season amid injuries to other wide receivers that elevated his position on the depth chart.[39] Notably, Davis recorded both of his touchdowns and 60 receiving yards over the final two weeks, providing a spark to the Chargers' passing attack during a stretch hampered by offensive line injuries and quarterback protection issues.[40] Davis's return contributions remained a cornerstone of his value, as he handled 19 punt returns for 235 yards (12.4 average) and 19 kickoff returns for 524 yards (27.6 average), totaling 759 return yards and helping improve the Chargers' starting field position in an offense that ranked near the bottom of the league in points per game due to persistent struggles in the run and pass games. These efforts built on his rookie-year success as a dynamic returner, where he led the NFL in punt return yards, but in 2024, his returns were particularly crucial during games where the Chargers' offense sputtered early.[2] A hamstring injury limited Davis in Weeks 6 and 8, causing him to miss two games, though he played in 15 of the 17 regular-season contests overall.[41] Despite the team's 11-6 record and wild-card playoff berth, Davis appeared in the wild-card loss to the Houston Texans but recorded no statistics. His dual-threat capabilities—evident in his late-season offensive integration—highlighted his growth, even as the Chargers faced challenges from a decimated receiving corps and an injury-plagued offensive line that pressured quarterback Justin Herbert excessively.[42]2025 season
In the 2025 season, Derius Davis has appeared in seven games for the Los Angeles Chargers through Week 10 (as of November 15, 2025), primarily contributing on special teams with limited offensive involvement.[39] His receiving stats stand at 1 reception for 3 yards and no touchdowns, while he has recorded two rushes for five yards.[43] Davis's return opportunities have been restricted, with eight punt returns for 58 yards (7.3 average) and eleven kickoff returns for 275 yards (25.0 average).[44] These figures reflect career totals of 29 receptions for 181 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns, 145 rushing yards, 1,851 return yards, and three touchdowns (two receiving, one punt return) across his professional tenure.[2] Davis's reduced role stems from a knee injury that sidelined him for three consecutive games (Weeks 4–6), including Week 6 against the Miami Dolphins, where he was ruled out.[45] He returned in Week 7 but remained limited in offensive snaps, with coaching decisions under Jim Harbaugh emphasizing his special teams duties amid a crowded receiving corps.[46] The injury, which made him questionable for Week 7, has contributed to his minimal touches, contrasting with his expanded late-2024 receiving role that saw him gain 107 yards over the final weeks.[41] Key contributions in early 2025 games highlight Davis's return prowess despite the constraints. In Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, he notched a 33-yard punt return that flipped field position for the Chargers.[47] In Week 9 at Tennessee, Davis saw no offensive stats but remained active on returns in the Chargers' 27-20 victory. In Week 10 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, he recorded his lone reception of the season for 3 yards alongside additional returns.[48] As the third year of his rookie contract, Davis faces implications for his future with the Chargers, where consistent special teams play could bolster extension talks amid his ongoing recovery and adaptation to the team's scheme.[49]Career statistics and achievements
Receiving and rushing stats
Derius Davis has recorded modest but efficient offensive production as a wide receiver and occasional rusher for the Los Angeles Chargers since entering the NFL in 2023. His receiving stats reflect a gadget role, with limited targets but solid yards per catch in his sophomore season.[2]Receiving Statistics
| Year | Games | Receptions | Yards | Average | Longest | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 17 | 15 | 66 | 4.4 | 11 | 0 |
| 2024 | 15 | 13 | 112 | 8.6 | 25 | 2 |
| 2025 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 3 | 0 |
| Career | 39 | 29 | 181 | 6.2 | 25 | 2 |
Rushing Statistics
| Year | Games | Attempts | Yards | Average | Longest | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 17 | 14 | 101 | 7.2 | 19 | 0 |
| 2024 | 15 | 12 | 39 | 3.3 | 10 | 0 |
| 2025 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 2.5 | 3 | 0 |
| Career | 39 | 28 | 145 | 5.2 | 19 | 0 |
Return specialist stats
Derius Davis has established himself as a premier return specialist in the NFL, particularly excelling in punt returns during his rookie season while contributing significantly on kickoffs throughout his career.[2] His ability to generate explosive plays from special teams has been a cornerstone of his value to the Los Angeles Chargers, with a career total of 1,851 return yards as of the 2025 season.[2]Punt Return Statistics
Davis's punt return prowess was evident from the outset, leading all NFL rookies in punt return yards during the 2023 season with 385 yards on 24 returns, ranking second league-wide overall.[50] His 16.0 yards per return that year was the highest among qualified returners, highlighted by an 87-yard touchdown return.[36] Performance dipped slightly in subsequent years due to increased offensive responsibilities and new NFL kickoff rules, but he remained a reliable option.| Year | Team | RET | YDS | AVG | TD | LG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | LAC | 24 | 385 | 16.0 | 1 | 87 |
| 2024 | LAC | 19 | 235 | 12.4 | 0 | 53 |
| 2025 | LAC | 8 | 58 | 7.3 | 0 | 33 |
| Career | - | 51 | 678 | 13.3 | 1 | 87 |
Kickoff Return Statistics
On kickoffs, Davis has shown consistent efficiency, averaging over 22 yards per return in each of his first three seasons. In 2024, he ranked seventh in the NFL with 524 yards on 19 returns, bolstered by a career-long 56-yard return that energized the Chargers' home crowd.[2] Through seven games in 2025, he has continued to provide solid field position, with 275 yards on 11 returns.[2]| Year | Team | RET | YDS | AVG | TD | LG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | LAC | 17 | 374 | 22.0 | 0 | 46 |
| 2024 | LAC | 19 | 524 | 27.6 | 0 | 56 |
| 2025 | LAC | 11 | 275 | 25.0 | 0 | 30 |
| Career | - | 47 | 1173 | 25.0 | 0 | 56 |
