UAB’s wide receiver depth took a hit this week with the loss of slot receiver Ryan Davis.
Davis, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound redshirt junior, had surgery on his right hip on Monday and will be out for the season. Davis had six catches for 74 yards while playing in five games this season. He did not dress out this past Saturday against Middle Tennessee.
Davis has a history of hip problems during his time at UAB. He had surgery on his left hip in January and missed spring practice. He also missed the early part of fall camp but was ready to go once the season began. Recently, Davis has played through the pain on Saturday and took the early days of the week off during practice.
“I kind of have some hip issues and have my whole life,” Davis said in an 1819 News story on him during fall camp. “I played three sports growing up. I’ve made 1,000 diving catches. Done way too much to my body. I’ve always had hip flexor problems, but coming into UAB, that was really the first time I’ve ever been able to go to a real doctor, go get MRIs and stuff like that.”
In his career, Davis has 22 catches for 280 yards in 19 games. He caught a career-best three passes in the 2021 season opener against Jacksonville and matched that total in the Independence Bowl win over BYU.
Moving forward, the Blazers will look to redshirt freshman Fred Farrier to play an increased role alongside Samario Rudolph. Farrier, who had a strong fall camp, grabbed his first career reception, a 12-yard-gain that moved the chains, last Saturday in the win over Middle Tennessee. Rudolph has four catches for 66 yards with a touchdown. Another option could be true freshman Iverson Hooks, who had one catch for 13 yards in the season opener against Alabama A&M but hasn’t played since.
UAB could also move some outside receivers into the slot receiver spot at times to help with depth.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email steve.irvine@1819news.com.
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