KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee offensive lineman Dayne Davis announced he will return for a sixth year at the University of Tennessee on Thursday afternoon.
Davis was a former preferred walk-on in his earlier seasons but made an impact in 2023, seeing action in nine games this season. The right tackle made his first start of the year against No. 1 Georgia and did not allow a sack or hit in 49 offensive snaps.
Davis started his second straight game of the season on senior day against Vanderbilt and did not allow any pressures on 55 snaps while helping the Vols total 617 yards of offense.
Tennessee's offensive line dealt with several injured players in the 2023 season, including starting right tackle Gerald Mincey, who Davis stepped in for in a game against Texas A&M. Davis had a season-high 32 offensive snaps at right tackle in that matchup.
Mincey announced on January 4 that he would be entering the transfer portal, even though he had previously indicated he would return to Tennessee for the 2024 season.
Veteran starters Cooper Mays and John Campbell Jr. have announced their return to Tennessee. Davis has filled in at right tackle for Mincey before, so being able to help in that position will benefit Tennessee's offense and the protection of quarterback Nico Iamaleava ahead of next season.
