Tennessee football offensive lineman Dayne Davis has announced that he is returning to Tennessee for his final year of eligibility. Davis made the announcement on X Thursday afternoon.
— Dayne Davis (@BigDayne_Davis) January 18, 2024
“Growing up a fan of the Vols and being able to wear the T every Saturday for the past five years, I couldn’t pass up on an opportunity for one more year to compete with my brothers for a championship,” Davis said in his post.
“With another year left of eligibility, I’ll be staying in Knoxville to compete for a championship one last year with my brothers.
“Home is where my heart is, Rocky Top Tennessee.”
The Bluff City, Tennessee, native has been at Tennessee since 2019, meaning 2024 will be his sixth season in orange and white. After not seeing any action in 2019 and 2020, Davis has been a key rotational piece along the Vols’ offensive line the past three seasons, playing in all 39 games.
Davis has started five games in his UT career, with three coming in 2023 and two in 2021, all at right tackle. While tackle is Davis’ primary position, he did log snaps at center this season as the direct backup to Ollie Lane when Cooper Mays was sidelined.
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Davis is unlikely to be an every week starter along Tennessee’s offensive line this fall, but his ability to play multiple positions and his experience make him valuable. Additionally, Tennessee’s offensive line is one of their most shallow position groups, so Davis’ return is undoubtedly welcomed.
Davis is one of three key offensive lineman to announce their return to Knoxville for the 2024 season, joining left tackle John Campbell Jr. and center Cooper Mays.
With the aforementioned three returning and right tackle Gerald Mincey transferring to Kentucky, the last question remaining is whether or not right guard Javontez Spraggins returns.
Spraggins would be the most important returner on Tennessee’s offensive line second to Mays if he chooses to run it back.
