Since last season even casual football fans began to understand the impact and importance the USFL has had on NFL teams. In 2022 KaVontae Turpin became the focal point of the USFL’s success with smaller stories like Taylor Bertolet (Breakers Kicker), Tucker Addington (Gamblers LS), and others all making their debuts after years of workouts and old fashion “grinding”.
While the success of the 2022 class of USFL to NFL players is nothing scoff at, it did lack something that the 2023 class has picked up the slack on, consistent play from positional players. Since his elevation in week 3 Davis has been a consistent piece on the Texans Defensive Line eventually earning a spot on Houston’s 53-Man Roster.
The Nebraska Alum has racked up 15 Tackles, 1.0 Sack, 1 FF, and 2 PD, while playing in 42% of the Defensive Snaps for Demeco Ryans. Davis’ play has been so inspiring that his Brother Carlos Davis opted to join the Stallions after being waived by the Atlanta Falcons. With the success of Davis, and even KaVontae Turpin’s role with the Cowboys expanding in the Offense it’s evident that these leagues can provide value to NFL teams outside of just Specialist.
Whether it be Turpin’s role on Offense, or Khalil Davis and Lebryan Ray on Defense, USFL players have taken a step forward in 2023. With the season halfway over, Davis is proving to be one of the more exciting interior Defensive Linemen in the NFL. With more time to develop in the USFL, Davis is another success story about the importance of these leagues in 2024 and beyond.
