Pittsburgh loses junior linebacker to transfer portal
Pittsburgh linebacker Wendell Davis Jr. has decided to enter the transfer portal.
The senior announced that decision on Wednesday and wished his teammates well for the remainder of the season:
Thanks for all the folks reaching out. Unfortunately I’ve decided to move on but I’ll be a proud graduate of the University of Pittsburgh in a few weeks. Nothing bad here, not a selfish move. Those involved know the truth. Absolutely love my teammates and I hope they win the ACC!
— Wendell Davis Jr. (@wendellwdj) November 3, 2021
He added this comment later on in the day:
Too many people to respond to so I just want to thank you for the love. I’m just a college student who plays football. This school is great and I’m sure the next one will be. Thanks to the programs reaching out!
— Wendell Davis Jr. (@wendellwdj) November 3, 2021
On the surface, this is a surprising and unexpected decision. Davis had a role with the Panthers this season, appearing in 8 games and making 22 total tackles.
He recorded one tackle in Pittsburgh’s most recent game vs. Miami in Week 9. Davis was benched after missing a tackle on a 51-yard TD run by Hurricanes running back Jaylan Knight.
He totaled 3.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack so far this season.
Davis was a 3-star recruit in the class of 2018. According to 247Sports Composite rankings, he was the No. 64 outside linebacker in the country for that cycle. He’s originally from Richmond, Virginia.
He leaves Pitt with 37 total tackles along with 5.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks in his career.
Pitt faces Duke on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.