William Davis, a cornerback playing for Sam Houston State University in Texas, died died at the age of 22 on Saturday.
A cause of death for Davis has not been revealed or announced as of Sunday evening.
Davis’ death was confirmed by the school, with a post to the football team’s account saying, ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of William Davis. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the Davis family today.’
A statement released by head football coach Phil Longo said, ‘It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Will Davis.
‘Will was a beloved member of our Bearkat football family here at Sam Houston who touched the lives of everyone he knew.
‘Will was an upbeat, positive, passionate young man who will be sincerely missed. Tanya, the kids and I are praying for Will’s family during this difficult time.’
William Davis, a former defensive back for West Virginia and Sam Houston State, has died at 22
Davis had transferred to Sam Houston State this offseason from West Virginia with the hopes of playing out one more season of college football.
Prior to West Virginia, Davis played three seasons with Division II Virginia Union, an HBCU program in Richmond.
Davis earned all-conference honors for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and tallied 56 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, a pair of interceptions and a sack in 2024.
He then transferred to West Virginia, where he only played the team’s season-opener against Robert Morris.
After that, he decided to switch to Sam Houston State in January – moving to Huntsville, Texas to begin spring practices for the Bearkats.
‘Sam Houston felt like home from the moment I first set foot on campus,’ Davis said in February after his commitment to SHSU, according to the Houston Chronicle.
‘As a Virginia kid that had played every snap of football in my life within driving distance of home, it was important to me that I’d play somewhere where I fit seamlessly into the culture if I was going to be so distant geographically.
‘My leadership and football IQ will help me be an anchor for our secondary throughout this upcoming season.’
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