The Jets have signed RB Isaiah Davis to his rookie contract.
Davis (6-2, 218), a fifth-round pick by the Jets (No. 173 overall), spent four years at South Dakota State and played in 46 games (36 starts). He rushed for 4,548 yards and 50 touchdowns and led the FCS in yards on the ground in each of the last two seasons (1,451 in 2022, 1,578 in 2023).
"I am a versatile and downhill back," Davis said. "I feel like I can run well between the tackles and running power and getting downhill. That is what I am most used to doing, but I personally am going to find a way to impact the game. I am excited about what I have accomplished and all I have worked for this past year, and now I am going to bring it all to the Jets."
A native of Joplin, Missouri, Davis elected to go to SDSU after receiving limited interest from FBS schools. After rushing for 818 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman in 2020, despite starting just two games (10 games played), Davis fielded offers from Power 5 programs, but decided to stay.
"I didn't want to chase the money at the end of the day," Davis said. "When I went to SDSU, I made a commitment to my brothers and coaches to try and win a national championship."
Davis and the Jackrabbits did just that going back-to-back in 2022 and '23. Davis played in integral role in their eight playoff wins over his last two seasons rushing for 1,022 yards and 12 touchdowns over those contests.
"I am fearless when I run the ball," Davis said. "I just do everything possible, whatever that may be. Downhill, angry runner, aggression, physicality, I like to set the tone."
Davis was the second running back taken the Jets during the 2024 draft after Wisconsin's Braelon Allen (Rd. 4, No. 134). The pair will join a running back room the features all-purpose star Breece Hall and second-year player Israel Abanikanda. Prior to the draft, Davis did his training in Texas where he met Hall.
"He seems like a really chill and genuine dude," Davis said. "He is really hard worker. It will be great to learn from someone like him who has excelled really well. I am looking forward to it."
