Davison’s versatility valuable for Bears
Cal’s already- undermanned offensive line lost two more starters to injury during the past three weeks, a development that had linebacker Raymond Davison III wondering if he should start piling on weight.
“If they wanted me to play offensive line, I’d try to eat as much as I could in the next couple of days and go compete,” Davison said days ahead of his final home game, which will be Saturday against Oregon State. “Send me. Wherever you want me to play and whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it.
“I want the younger guys to see that I’m always willing to do anything to win.”
Davison weighs only about 230 pounds, so playing on the offensive line isn’t realistic. But it’s not just lip service, either. During his time in Berkeley, he has been rotated throughout the defense, usually produced and never whined — something that’ll make him one of the most celebrated Bears on Senior Day.
Twenty- one players are expected to participate in the pregame ceremonies Saturday, the others being Darius Allensworth, Jacob Anderson, Matt Anderson, Hamilton Anoa’i, Rusty Becker, Devante Downs, Vic Enwere, Marloshawn Franklin Jr., Garrett Frum, De’Zhon Grace, Fabiano Hale, J. D. Hinnant, James Looney, Tony Mekari, David Ortega Jr., Chas Peterson, Luke Rubenzer, Aisea Tongilava, Jordan Veasy and Noah Westerfield.
None has left the legacy of Davison, who has become the vocal leader of the defense while shifting from defensive end to middle linebacker to inside linebacker to outside linebacker.
“He’s one of those seniors you’re really going to miss,” defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter said. “He’s been an all- in guy from the start. … As coaches, it’s hard to see guys like that move on and to know that we’re not going to have them much longer. …
“I can’t say enough good things about the guy.”
The numbers can do a lot of the talking.
Davison has compiled 162 tackles, nine passes defended, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception that he returned 39 yards for a touchdown in 44 career games. His 51 tackles this season are third most on the team, and he is the co- leader in sacks ( three) and forced fumbles ( two).
Having already proved himself as a charismatic leader and prolific middle linebacker last season, Davison was asked by Cal’s new coaching staff to move outside when injuries started to pile up at the position.
All he has done since then is to re- create himself as passrushing, ball- chasing maniac who will get a shot to play in the NFL — if he wants it.
Davison is set to graduate as a legal studies major and wants to get a law degree and/ or an MBA. His father also owns a title and escrow company, which interests him.
“I wanted to give myself options,” he said. “I’ve always aspired to play in the NFL. I also realize that’s not going to be something for me long- term. … I think I’ve set myself up so that I won’t be limited.”
Davison is named for his father and grandfather, and his middle name is Carver. That comes from his great- grandmother studying under George Washington Carver at Tuskegee University.
“He’s smart. He can see the big picture of the defense, and he carries that over to his teammates,” outside linebackers coach Tony Tuioti said. “You could put him anywhere on the defense, and he’d take it seriously and study it until he made it look easy. …
“He’s an old soul. He’s more mature than your average college senior.”
After he plays outside linebacker for a possession, he comes to the sideline and coaches the inside linebackers between series.
“He’s a real conscientious guy, and the players on the team really respect him,” head coach Justin Wilcox said. “We’re in a better place because of Ray and what he’s brought to our team.”
Said Davison: “I don’t think I’m going to cry Saturday, but I’m definitely going to feel it. This is my last game at Memorial, and I’m going to leave it all out there.”