2020 WorldWide Rams Draft Profile: Akeem Davis-Gaither | Appalachian St | OLB

worldwide rams

Ed "Pi Double i" Henderson

Player Bio: Akeem Davis-Gaither prepped at Thomasville High School in Thomasville, NC, and in his junior season, Davis-Gaither recorded  93 tackles (46 solos), 21 tackles for loss, three sacks, and three forced fumbles. As a senior, Davis-Gaither led his team in tackles recording 115 tackles (61 solos), 33 tackles for losses, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. Davis-Gaither also played running back for Thomasville, combining for eight touchdowns over his last two seasons. Davis-Gaither would be name the Central Carolina Conference Defensive Player of the year Earned an invite to the 2014 Shrine Bowl 100 invite-only camp. Named as a three-time All- Davidson County Conference Honoree, a two-time All-Davidson County Selction, and a Davidson County Student-Athlete of the Month. Davis-Gaither was rated as a two-star prospect by 247 Sports, Scout.com, and Rivals.com. In addition to football, he would also star as a track runner, baseball, and basketball. He arrived to Appalachian St and red-shirted his first year, however, he would explode unto the map after a illustrious collegiat career. In five seasons, he played 55 games, four bowls, after recording 258 total tackles (28 tackles for loss), eight sacks, 17 passes break-ups, one interception, two forced fumbles and one blocked field goal. Davis-Gaither led the team in tackles his senior year with 105 tackles (10 for losses) 1.5 sacks, and seven pass breakups that tied for the team lead. Named the Sun-Belt Defensive Player of the Year and also named the hardest hitter in the conference by Street & Smith. Also received an invite to the Reese's Senior Bowl.
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ACCOLADES
2020 NFL Combine Invite
2020 Reese's Senior Bowl Participant
​2019 Phil Steel Fourth-Team All American
2019 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year
2019 First-Team All-Sun Belt
2019 Butkus and Bednark Awards Watchlist
2018 Second-Team All-Sun Belt 

AKEEM DAVIS-GAITHER
LINEBACKER

HOMETOWN                      |           CLASS
THOMASVILLE, NC             |           SENIOR (RS)
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DRAFT YR:  2020     COMBINE INVITE: YES




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SCHOOL:  APPALACHIAN ST                |      CONFERENCE:  SUN BELT
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HEIGHT/WEIGHT:  6-1 / 224         ARMS: 31 1/8"          HANDS: 9 1/2”           PROJECTED 40-TIME: 4.65         

COMBINE RESULTS
BENCH   |   40 YD DASH    |   VERTICAL JUMP  |  BROAD JUMP |   3 CONE DRILL   |    20 YD SHUTTLE  |   60 YD SHUTTLE
​   21       |          DNP           |             DNP           |          DNP        |            DNP          |            DNP             |             N/A
 
PRO-DAY RESULTS
BENCH     |   40 YD DASH   |   VERTICAL JUMP      |  BROAD JUMP    |   3 CONE DRILL   |    20 YD SHUTTLE    |   60 YD SHUTTLE 
​   N/A       |          N/A          |          N/A                  |           N/A           |            N/A          |               N/A             |             N/A

game film 
​#24 Akeem Davis-gaither vs South Carolina (2019)

Strengths: Very athletic, versatile, with speed, power, tackling, and coverage are all four that he excels with on the field. A natural three-down linebacker that should never have to leave the field. Has the ability to cover and close by swarming to tackles. Has an unimaginable first three-steps to burst and close and take angles that defensive backs usually will take. Has side-line to side-line speed that is prolific to outside runs and screenplays. Does not wait for ball carriers he attacks immediately shutting down any cutback moves. Despite being an undersized linebacker, he is still exceptionally physical against the run. Explodes his tackles from the hip and can undercut blocks in traffic. The ability to cover any running back or tight-ends, and can blanket slot receivers no matter what type of route. A very cerebral player who can mirror receivers by backpedaling and the ability to identify flats and crossing routes. A fierce player who can blitz the passer and yet sense out draw plays.​

Weaknesses: Nevertheless, so talented; however, an undersized linebacker at 215 pounds and concerns will be can he absorb the repetitive pounding with his small frame. It tends to show up on film that will avoid contact by employing his speed and athleticism to run around blocks. Must recognize and contain his gap-integrity and learn to shed blocks. Very aggressive and physical at times will overreact and take him out of plays. Despite read and reacting well to the run and screens, potentially could be victimized in play-action passes. A definite special-team candidate for his first year, will benefit by adding about 15-20 pounds to his body frame.

Draft Grade: 6.12

Draft Projection:4th - 5th round

NFL Comparison: Darius Leonard

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