Exit Kingston Davis Comment Count

Brian

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I guess he really really didn't want to play fullback [Eric Upchurch]

Per Sam Webb, Kingston Davis is set to transfer.

Davis got a few carries early last year before an apparent redshirt. Meanwhile the quick emergence of Chris Evans and Kareem Walker navigating some rocky early waters makes the depth chart look tough indeed for anyone in the same class, as Davis was.

With Davis's transfer, the expected departure of Shelton Johnson would bring Michigan down to 85 before spring practice. That means no fifth years are potential cuts even if everyone else sticks it out.

Comments

reddogrjw

March 24th, 2017 at 3:06 PM ^

with Shelton Johnson?

 

Are we assuming Drake Johnson gets another year?  If not, doesn't that leave us at 84 and a spot open for a grad-transfer?

maize-blue

March 24th, 2017 at 3:08 PM ^

It's too bad he wasn't into becoming a FB. He probably would have made a really good one and carved out a useful spot for himself. 

What's the story with Shelton Johnson?

Steves_Wolverines

March 24th, 2017 at 3:08 PM ^

Can't fault the kid. He came in to compete at RB, couldn't beat out Evans and/or Walker, coaches talked about playing time at FB, Kingston says nope, and decides to go play RB somewhere else. Good luck Kingston, hope you find success wherever you land!

getsome

March 24th, 2017 at 11:33 PM ^

Yep, not everyone belongs at FB even if size, skill set, depth situation, etc indicate a potential great fit, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, that's football (and in no way limited to FB). Demeanor and desire to play FB just as key as ability, specifically the desire to perfect art of blocking. Obviously FB's must take pride in blocking and doing the little things and that's tough to force (not everyone can will themselves to that place, some simply never wish to). Harbaugh likes more diverse FB role but it's still long way from playing TB or even Navy type FB. Hope Davis finds a good situation where he earns real carries

BursleysFinest

March 24th, 2017 at 3:33 PM ^

I was thinking the same thing, so I looked up last year's stats: 

Hammering Panda AND Poggi: 26 carries, 43 yards and are now 2 inches shorter than at the start of the season

Ty Isaac: 74 carries, 417 yards, so ~3 times the carries being the 3rd string back

It takes a special kind of crazy to play Fullback for not a lot of chances to carry the ball.  If he doesn't want to play FB and thinks he can play RB somewhere else, I totally get it.

StraightDave

March 24th, 2017 at 4:58 PM ^

He will now be on an NFL roster as a FB making damn good cash.   I'd think, if an NFL guy like Harbaugh says you have a future at FB I would probably listen to the NFL guy.   And if you are not good enough to play TB for a team like UM who plays 40 different RBs then chances are you might be better at FB.  

Mr. Yost

March 25th, 2017 at 2:46 PM ^

No guarantee on an NFL future being a 5th or 6th string RB either.

If that is the deciding factor, you move to FB because at least you're...you know, far more likely to be ON the field.

I know ever kid wants to go to the NFL, but the move is go transfer and then get on the field elsewhere where you'll get some carries.

BursleysFinest

March 24th, 2017 at 4:38 PM ^

[ EDIT]Agreed.  But it's a mindset that IMO you either have or you don't, and Kingston obviously didn't.  I could see him taking the Rawls/Cox route and getting all the carries he wants and running over people at a different school.

Blue_In_Texas

March 24th, 2017 at 3:23 PM ^

Sucks but understandable considering Isaac/Evans/Walker/Johnson/and presumably Samuels ahead of him next year. 

RB will be a strength next year. Although it may be hard to tell with our OL :(

Esterhaus

March 24th, 2017 at 3:23 PM ^

 

He should have gone for another year and then assessed. I believe he would have been given opportunities to run, catch and score impressive downs, which would have helped to further his Sunday career. Trust does not run strong with this one. Good luck kid.

Esterhaus

March 24th, 2017 at 6:01 PM ^

 

They're rather reknown for honesty and directness with players. Evans has stepped up. Davis would have had an excellent chance of seeing quality playing time on the field and then his performance would speak for itself.

Regardless, it will be interesting to learn the Power team where Davis will have shone brighter over time. Time will tell.

Edited to address wahooverine specifically:  Touchdowns, when scored by Wolverines, constitute "impressive downs" in my book and, by definition, they are "downs" technically regardless. And I will hope you encourage the production of more of these downs, as I do.

Michifornia

March 24th, 2017 at 3:23 PM ^

Hope it means we'll see some magic from Kareem Walker this year.  Expecting Evans to be pretty good but having a two or three headed monster would be fantastic.

GO BLUE!!

LabattsBleu

March 24th, 2017 at 3:47 PM ^

Houma got a lot of carries actually, and it think that would have been a more accurate comparison of how the staff would have used him if he had made the switch.

Good Luck to KD wherever he ends up though

Wolverine 73

March 24th, 2017 at 5:33 PM ^

The number of carries the FB gets will vary with the abilities of the FB. Davis had a chance to play for 3 years, show he could run effectively, and be another BJ Askew, potentially. It's a free country, and if he didn't want to do that, fine. But it seems he walked away from a very good opportunity. I suppose his success or not as a RB elsewhere will determine whether he made the right decision.

dipshit moron

March 24th, 2017 at 5:04 PM ^

makes me think some of these kids dont really believe this competiton thing. then they get here and find out you really do have to earn your way on the field. its not for everyone. better now than later.

stephenrjking

March 24th, 2017 at 5:18 PM ^

C'mon, man, do you fault people who change companies to get a better path at promotion? Davis wanted to compete at RB and he did. If he stayed he would keep competing and would get spot carries here and there, but his chances of making a major impact during his career are slim.

And this is a win-win arrangement for everybody. Davis gets his shot here, and Harbaugh gives him a chance. When things don't go well, Davis can transfer and make a name for himself elsewhere. Harbaugh gets a roster slot to offer to someone else AND can sign multiple competitors for one position because those guys know they'll have a chance to compete and if things don't work out they can go elsewhere.

I wish Davis didn't have to leave, but if he was told by the staff that the only real way to get on the field at Michigan is to play FB and he doesn't want to, more power to him. 

Some transfers, like Asiasi, sting. Some, like Boren, are a stab in the back. But most of them are just adjustments that are good for the player.

treetown

March 24th, 2017 at 5:47 PM ^

Not all transfers should end up with everyone vilifying each other. It is a competitive sport where experience does matter - and if it is his life ambition to be a pro RB as a primary ball carrier then he has to move on - he needs to get carries and video tape to show what he can do. The same situation is with QBs - the scouts have to be able to see some tangible evidence that a QB can play in real games, reading defenses and making pressure throws.

Thanks for being the voice of reason.

GhostofJermain…

March 24th, 2017 at 5:55 PM ^

Could this be a sign of why Wheatley is no longer here?  Did Jay identify that King was not going to cut it?  Swirling winds indicated harbs was at times frusturated with the rb rotation last season.  King was much like Sr. when it came to body type (by far biggest trunk on the team, in Bradenton it was OBVIOUS), and the recruiting win was also credited to Sr.  Not knowing when to fold em...  The whole Coach Wheatley departure still has me curious and baffled a bit to be honest, so I apoligize if I'm projecting this into my comments.  Anyways, I like to read your opinion on other things and was hoping for that, along with others. 

dipshit moron

March 24th, 2017 at 5:52 PM ^

i agree, i was more thinking out loud, i really dont think alot of these recruits get just how difficult the competition will be. if davis gave it his best shot and does not want to fight for 3 more years to get playing time, then he made the right choice for everyone involved.