Jabari “Juice” Davis speaks on life as a Vol, previews Florida matchup
If you’re a fan of Tennessee, you assuredly have fond memories of Juice Davis. The bruising running back played in 48 games for the Vols from 2001-04. In his career, Davis racked up 1,228 yards and 22 touchdowns.
One of Davis’ best career games came against Florida, so what better time to talk the legend than Florida Hate Week? In 2003, Davis ran 20 times for 78 yards and 2 TDs against the Gators. Davis’ performance was crucial to the Vols picking up a 24-10 victory in that game.
Juice is a class act, and the former RB is being honored as a Legend of the Game by the Tennessee Letterwinners Club. Ahead of the Florida matchup, Juice agreed to sit down with us and talk about his time at Tennessee, as well as this matchup with Florida.
Let’s get in to the interview!
Bryce: “What is your best memory playing for the Vols?”
Juice: ”2002 6-Overtime game vs. Arkansas, longest game ever. We didn’t leave Neyland till like 1 a.m. I was MVP and SEC Player of the Week that game.”
As Juice mentioned, that Arkansas game might have been his best career performance. Davis had 135 yards and 3 TDs in the conference victory.
Bryce: “Who was your favorite teammate?”
Juice: “Had so many great ones, but I would probably say my man Jon Poe or my roommate Derrick Tinsley.”
Bryce: “How has Dylan Sampson impressed you as the lead back?”
Juice: “His leadership, toughness, and skillset to score anytime he has the ball. He’s the heartbeat of this team and overall our best consistent big playmaker every weekend!!”
Davis also mentioned that he talked to Sampson ahead of this matchup and the RB is “locked in and ready to go crazy.”
Sampson already has 587 rushing yards and 12 TDs in 2024. The RB will be crucial to the offense against the Gators, who have been weak against the run.
Bryce: “What are your thoughts on Josh Heupel’s offense as a whole?”
Juice: “I wasn’t a big fan at first because I’m an old-school, smashmouth football kinda guy. But the game has changed in 20 years and seeing the ball get spread all over the field mixed with tempo is exciting to watch and hard to stop.”
Bryce: “Score prediction for the Florida game?”
Juice: “33-14 Let’s Get Napier Fired At Halftime!!!”
Juice knows what it takes to beat the Gators. If he believes that this team can do it, you should too.
Be sure to follow Juice on X @jabaridavis_VFL! Go Vols!