Florida Atlantic is labelled as college football’s FBS “Last Chance U.” Since Lane Kiffin‘s arrival in 2016, he’s giving players with character concerns a second chance.
Former Auburn wide receiver Kyle Davis, who was dismissed in October, is the latest player with a questionable past to join Kiffin in Boca Raton.
Uneven Tenure
Davis’ time on The Plains wasn’t what many anticipated.
The former four-star recruit out of Archer High School was part of the Tigers ninth-ranked recruiting class in 2016. He chose Auburn over Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina among others.
As a true freshman, Davis had an immediate impact. The Under Armour All-American totalled 12 receptions for 248 receiving yards and two touchdowns in nine games.
He looked like the next great Auburn wideout and was ready to take on a larger role under new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey.
However, everything seemed to go downhill for the Lawrenceville, Georgia native.
Davis missed all of spring practice due to personal reasons and was suspended for the season opener against Georgia Southern.
The MVP of The Opening played in only five games as a sophomore before his dismissal prior to the LSU game. He finished with seven catches for 210 receiving yards.
Davis posted an Instagram message a few days after thanking the Auburn program.
The Lane Train
The once highly-touted prospect was now looking for a new home.
On Thursday, January 11, FAU reportedly landed the one-time Auburn pass catcher. Davis’ father Ron later confirmed his son’s move to the Sunshine State.
“We just want to thank the Auburn fans for their support,” Davis told AL.com. “Coach Malzahn and the Auburn staff and family have been so nice to us, but we’ve moved on and Kyle will be taking his talents to FAU.”
Davis becomes the second Auburn player to join the Owls. Quarterback-turned-wide receiver John Franklin III transferred to FAU before last season. In his lone year with the Owls, Franklin III had 344 scrimmage yards on 23 touches.
Bringing Davis into the fold adds another playmaker to Kiffin’s fifth-ranked offensive attack. He’s a new name on the impressive list of transfers to FAU.
Former four-star quarterback Chris Robison joined the Owls in August after his dismissal from Oklahoma. The Elite 11 finalist will compete with junior Jason Driskel and sophomore De’Andre Johnson for the starting quarterback job.
Jovon Durante, a four-star wide receiver at West Virginia, is also moving south. He amassed 60 receptions for nearly 700 receiving yards during his two seasons in Morgantown.
With FAU exceeding expectations in Kiffin’s first year, the hype is at an all-time high in Boca Raton. The Owls will look to repeat as Conference USA champions and continue their unexpected success in 2018.
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