New York Jets rookie spotlight on safety Ashtyn Davis

Background

Ashtyn Davis grew up in the mountains of Santa Cruz, California which is very different from the reputation California has of beaches and surfers.

He hung out in his backyard mostly riding dirt bikes with friends and family. He endured a lot growing up as his dad battled with drug addiction throughout his childhood. He is now clean and has a very close relationship with Ashtyn. If you would like to hear more about Davis and how he became who he is today, please watch the video below.

In High School, Davis wasn’t pursued by college programs for football. He was, however, given offers for track and field. He instead opted to go to Cal where he walked on to the track and field team. His pursuit of football would never stop. He turned down scholarship offers and walked on to the Cal Bears football team in 2015.

Throughout his career at Cal, Davis would improve on the football field. In his first season as a redshirt freshman, he started three games totaling 25 tackles. His next season that total went up to 33 tackles adding in a pick as well. His junior season would be his best as a Bear where he racked up 53 total tackles and four interceptions.

Scouting

Positives:  Ashtyn Davis’ versatility and relentless work ethic are two of my favorite qualities about him. He’s endured so much adversity and overcame so much and has come out a better player. On the football field, Davis has played all over for the Cal Bears. He’s played some cornerback and nickel, but mostly he’s been the team’s single-high safety.

Davis was a track and field star for Cal as a hurdler. He has world-class speed which is a great asset to have as a single-high safety. He can cover a lot of ground and close gaps very quickly. Davis has also impressed me with a lot of his interceptions. He has a knack at diving and jumping in front of the receiver making acrobatic deflections and interceptions.

Davis does have a slight frame but is not afraid to bring the boom. He can help out in the run game finishing up tackles in the box. He also has smooth hips that allow him to transfer quickly to the opposite side without losing a step.

Negatives:  There’s not much to knock Davis on, but he does have a smaller frame and wingspan which could give him trouble on bigger receivers. I can’t envision him covering a bigger receiver in man, so this shouldn’t affect him too much.

Some scouts and teams have issues with older prospects and Davis will be 24 in October. The issue with older prospects is the thought that they don’t have that much room to grow as a prospect.

Another issue is Davis does seem to get caught looking at the quarterback too much, which causes him to be out of position. He’ll have to learn to not get manipulated by NFL quarterbacks.