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Gators linebackers coach Randy Shannon compared Florida linebacker Jarrad Davis to Ray Lewis, Jon Beason and Jonathan Vilma.

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Randy Shannon knows a thing or two about coaching defensive stars. That is one of the many reasons why Jim McElwain hired the former Miami head coach to groom Florida’s linebackers.

Aside from the fact Shannon is a respected recruiter in south Florida, the guy can coach and recognize talent when he sees it. And boy does he see something in senior linebacker Jarrad Davis.

Davis decided to follow the model set by former teammate Antonio Morrison and return for his senior season. Shannon told the Palm Beach Post having the senior back is a huge weapon for the Gators’ defense.

“The way his energy is each and every day, the way he brings it in practice is something that’s special because every day he comes out, he competes at a high level and the players on the team see those things, and the young guys see it, and they take their step up to the next level,” Shannon said.

Davis has played in 29 games during his three seasons at Florida, and he’s racked up 141 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in that time.

Based on the potential Shannon sees, Davis has a chance to be special — possibly as great as former Hurricanes linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

“He’s competitive like Jon Vilma was. Vilma, if you played cards, he’d play all night until he beat you. That’s how Jarrad is. He’ll never quit. He’s going to have to win,” Shannon said.

Shannon didn’t stop there. He sees a little bit of former Miami linebackers Ray Lewis and Jon Beason in Davis, too.

“Athletically, he has like Jon Beason-ness, the speed and the power and stuff like that and the knowledge like Ray [Lewis] was,” Shannon said. “He has the game. He knows what to do. He knows how to get the guys lined up. He knows how to protect certain guys on the defense with a call.”

That is some high praise for Davis, a player who has garnered little national publicity. Though if anyone can accurately grade a linebacker and his potential, it’s Shannon.

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