NY Jets sign local Stony Brook product, tight end Connor Davis

The NY Jets have signed local Stony Brook product, tight end Connor Davis.

The NY Jets announced a few roster moves over the last two days. From the Chris Hogan signing to the release of a couple of reserve defensive players, the Jets have been busy on the transaction wire.

But one move that has flown under-the-radar is the signing of former XFL tight end Connor Davis. At the same time, it’s not as though that was unexpected.

Still, Davis is a local Stony Brook product with incredible size and a really interesting backstory.

A Maryland native, Davis played four years at Stony Brook after redshirting his first season. But while he’s listed as a tight end, that certainly wasn’t his exclusive position in college.

Davis played in 11 games during his freshman season primarily seeing time as a backup blocking tight end. But he also played defensive line even recording a sack in a game against Albany.

Unfortunately, he would miss all but two games in 2014 starting one at defensive end while also playing tight end. He would return in 2015 but see time at a completely different position.

Davis was moved to the offensive line in his junior year starting all 10 games at right tackle. It was a change in pace for a player who had only played tight end or defensive end to that point.

But in 2016, he was moved back to the tight end position where he played in eight games while hauling in his first career reception for three yards. He also started a game at defensive end while filling in as a rotational defensive lineman.

In 2017, Davis saw the majority of his work on offense recording five catches for 38 yards as he was involved as the second tight end much more than in the past.

Connor Davis joins the NY Jets with little professional experience to his name.

Expectedly, Davis went undrafted following the 2018 NFL Draft, but his size (6-foot-8, 260 pounds) left the New York Giants intrigued as they invited the local Long Island product to their rookie minicamp, although he wasn’t offered a contract.

From there, Davis would spend time in both the short-lived Alliance of American Football and most recently the XFL playing for the St. Louis BattleHawks.

Davis will have his work cut out for him as he attempts to earn a roster spot. The likes of Chris Herndon and Ryan Griffin are locks for the 53-man roster, while other such as Trevon Wesco, Daniel Brown, and Ross Travis will all be competing for one or two roster spots.

Ideally, Davis could make for an interesting blocking tight end with great size. But it’s likely he’ll have to take the practice-squad route if he is to remain with the organization.

At the very least, it’s always fun to have a local longshot to root for.