Linebacker Wendell Davis decides to leave Pitt, enter transfer portal

Two years ago, Pitt might have lost the Central Florida game if Wendell Davis had decided out of high school to attend another school.

Thanks for all the folks reaching out. Unfortunately I’ve decided to move on but I’ll be a proud graduate of the University of Pittsburgh in a few weeks. Nothing bad here, not a selfish move. Those involved know the truth. Absolutely love my teammates and I hope they win the ACC!

— Wendell Davis Jr. (@wendellwdj) November 3, 2021

Last season, he emerged from training camp as the starting middle linebacker.

And this season, he appeared in all eight games, started three and recorded 27 tackles, including 3 ½ for a loss, which is second among Pitt’s linebackers.

But Pitt will play the rest of the season without Davis, who has left the team and announced plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.

Davis’ playing time diminished last week against Miami when he was on the field for only five snaps at linebacker, according to Pro Football Focus. One of those snaps, in the first quarter, resulted in Miami running back Ryan Manalac’s 40-yard touchdown through the middle of the Pitt defense.

Davis, who started the previous two games against Virginia Tech and Clemson, is leaving without any apparent hard feelings, according to his remarks in a Twitter post.

2018 3-star LB Wendell Davis has entered the portal as a grad transfer after totaling 44 tackles, 5 TFL and 2 sacks at Pittsburgh; 27 tackles, 3.5 TFL and 1 sack in 8 games this fall @rivalsmike @PantherLair https://t.co/d5s5rrgcSr

— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) November 3, 2021

“I’ll be a proud graduate of the University of Pittsburgh in a few weeks,” he wrote. “Nothing bad here, not a selfish move. Those involved know the truth. Absolutely love my teammates and I hope they win the ACC!”

Pitt first-year linebackers coach Ryan Manalac wished Davis well Wednesday while speaking to reporters after practice.

“Love Wendell Davis, wish him the best, awesome young man,” Manalac said. “I’m sure he’ll have success wherever he ends up.”

When Manalac was asked if Davis approached him with questions about his playing time, he declined to answer.

“I’d rather focus on the guys who are here,” he said.

A junior from Richmond, Va., Davis initially made his mark on Pitt’s special teams, crafting a rare back-to-back feat in 2019 when he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in a 35-34 victory against Central Florida and blocked a punt the next week in the Delaware game.

He won the starting middle linebacker job – perhaps the most important on the defense because of the player’s alignment responsibilities – but played in only two games before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Davis’ absence will be a blow to Pitt’s depth at middle linebacker, but Manalac has been pleased with starter SirVocea Dennis, who formerly played on the outside before moving inside this season.

Dennis has received the bulk of the playing time in the middle and is second on the team with 49 tackles, despite missing one game due to injury.

“(Dennis) is a special player, sharp, intelligent football player,” Manalac said. “You can plug and play him at a lot (of positions). Because he’s so smart, maybe put too much on him at times.”

Meanwhile, Manalac hopes other less experienced players will help fill the hole on the depth chart.

“We have some guys who will step up, some guys who are eager to fill that void, that space,” he said. “They’ve been preparing all year.”

Junior Brandon George is one of those players. He played 31 snaps in the middle against New Hampshire, recording four tackles, including two for a loss and a quarterback hurry.

“He’s done a great job on special teams all year,” Manalac said. “He’s plugged into the (linebacker) rotation sometimes and prepared himself professionally all year.

“We have a very athletic group. They’re capable of playing multiple positions. On the mental side, we have guys eager to prepare at multiple spots. That’s what it takes.”

With seniors John Petrishen, Cam Bright and Phil Campbell III and Dennis, a junior who’s started for two seasons, the linebacking unit’s experience and ability to set an example have made a difference.

“(With) his gregarious personality, guys look to him for leadership,” Manalac said of Dennis.

His ability to get signals from the sideline and carry them onto the field is “next level,” the coach said.

Petrishen, who has two sacks and two interceptions, has started the past three games at star (outside) linebacker, but he still shares playing time with Bright.

“John’s a rock. Chop wood and carry water,” Manalac said. “He’s in there (before practice) watching his film, eating his breakfast, getting extra film study and the guys see that. That’s contagious.

“He’s on a mission. That’s led to him making plays. He doesn’t let the adversity or success bother him. That’s the trait of a mature competitor.”

NOTE: Kenny Pickett has named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top 10 and he is a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award. The Golden Arm honors the top upperclassman quarterback and the Maxwell goes to the college player of the year.