DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Ryan Davis' disappointment of going undrafted lasted about ten minutes. No sooner than the 2012 NFL finished, Davis was fielding several free agent offers before signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars Saturday night."It was unfortunate that I didn't get drafted, but I'm happy with the way things worked out," Davis said from his home in Tampa. "I'm looking forward to going to Jacksonville and contribute."
The signing capped off a frenzied day of phone calls and an emotional gauntlet for the 2011 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player Of The Year.
It appeared that Davis may be going as early as the fifth round, but that faded. Several teams called him throughout the day and indicated interest as well.
After the seventh round concluded, the free agent flurry began and every phone number associated with Davis was inundated before he reached an agreement with Jacksonville, a decision he described as "the best fit."
"I went through happy, sad, mad, nervous ... all of that," Davis admitted. "But now it's over. I have a home right now and I can get back to what I love. All the paper work is done and all the workouts are done."
Davis will join former B-CU standout Rashean Mathis on the Jaguars' roster.Davis will be considered a "top tier free agent," giving him the same considerations as a draft pick.
Also on Saturday, Jean Fanor signed a free agent deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.
“I’m trying to soak it all in,” said the former B-CU defensive back. “I’m humbled and grateful to be in this position. I’m going to keep my head down and keep grinding.”
Fanor, who had an impressive performance at B-CU’s Pro Day, said the Chiefs appreciate his work ethic.
“They liked that I play the game fast and play the game hard,” Fanor said. “They want to give me an opportunity to play at the next level.”
Several former Wildcats have gone on to NFL success via the free agent route. Eric Weems, now with the Chicago Bears, went undrafted but signed with the Atlanta and earned a Pro Bowl berth as a special teams player. NFL Hall of Famer Larry Little was first signed as a free agent by the San Diego Chargers before being traded to the Miami Dolphins.
Several former Wildcats have gone on to NFL success via the free agent route. Eric Weems, now with the Chicago Bears, went undrafted but signed with the Atlanta and earned a Pro Bowl berth as a special teams player. NFL Hall of Famer Larry Little was first signed as a free agent by the San Diego Chargers before being traded to the Miami Dolphins.
COURTESY Dan Ryan BETHUNE-COOKMAN ATHLETICS.COM
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