2005 was Thomas Davis' inaugural season in the National Football League, and it's safe to say that the Carolina Panther didn't enjoy his first taste of the big time. Unfortunately, the former University of Georgia standout free safety failed to catch on with the Panthers, struggling mightily to pick up the position in the pros. Luckily for the 23-year-old, the Carolina coaching staff is giving him an opportunity as an outside linebacker, a position he played on a few occasions in college.In April '05, the Panthers put a great deal of faith in Davis, using their first-Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
round pick on the All-American, who helped lead the Bulldogs to prominence in his three-year stint with the program. In his final two seasons at Georgia, Davis racked up 219 tackles, 7 ? sacks and five forced fumbles in 25 games.Thanks to his proven on-field prowess, the Carolina Panthers invested the 14th overall selection on Davis, hoping he'd become the league's next star safety. However, he struggled mightily as a rookie, picking up just 38 tackles and 1 ? sacks in 16 games. Davis ended up starting the first two games of what proved to be a successful season for the Panthers, but was pulled because of poor performance. As a result, veteran Marlon McCree took the reins at the free safety position, and did quite well, intercepting three passes.After facing difficulties for most of the year, Davis found new life with the Panthers, as they began bouncing him back and forth between safety and linebacker. The youngster took to his position, which gave the coaching staff hope that he could someday have a legitimate career.This offseason, the Panthers waved Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
goodbye to stellar weak-side linebacker Will Witherspoon in free agency. Witherspoon had four productive seasons in Carolina, notching 354 total tackles, eight sacks and seven interceptions. The St. Louis Rams paid the up-and-comer $33 million over six seasons back in March, which was just too high of a price-tag for the Panthers.With Witherspoon out of the fold, head coach John Fox, defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac and linebackers coach Ken Flajole will turn to Davis. One factor already in Davis' favor is size. Both he and Witherspoon weigh in at 231 pounds, while Witherspoon holds a one inch height advantage. For those saying Davis is too small to play linebacker, think again.Davis, who previously wore No. 47, will be switching to 58 so it complies with his new position. As fans of the Carolina Panthers know, Davis' new number was held by team legend Mark Fields for three seasons. Unfortunately, Fields has been battling Hodgkins Disease since 2003, which caused him to miss last season. Essentially, it would take a miracle for the 33-year-old to lace up his cleats and play again. Fields is still highly respected by the organization, though, who asked him if Davis could wear his number. The classy Fields agreed.Entering the season, the Panthers are hoping a little of Fields' Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
past magic can rub off on their young outside 'backer. With Fields in his corner and proven middle linebacker Dan Morgan next to him, don't expect Davis to fold. His career's been forgettable up to now, but it can all be washed away in the blink of an eye when Davis lines up in the team's Sept. 10 opener against the division rival Atlanta Falcons. --Get more on Thomas Davis
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