Tragedy struck as William Davis, a promising defensive back poised to join the Sam Houston State University football team in Texas this upcoming season, passed away at the age of 22 on Saturday.
As of Sunday evening, the circumstances surrounding Davis’s death have not been disclosed.
The university confirmed the heartbreaking news through a message from the football team’s social media, expressing, “We are heartbroken by the loss of William Davis. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Davis family during this time.”
Head football coach Phil Longo released a heartfelt statement, sharing, “It is with profound sorrow that we grieve the passing of Will Davis.”
He continued, “Will was a cherished part of our Bearkat football family at Sam Houston, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.”
Longo added, “Will’s positive energy and passionate spirit will be greatly missed. My family and I extend our prayers to Will’s family as they navigate this challenging period.”
William Davis, a former defensive back for West Virginia and Sam Houston State, has died at 22
A cause of death for Davis had not been released as of Sunday as tributes rolled in
Davis starred for three seasons at Division-II Virginia Union, an HBCU in his home state, where he earned all-conference honors in the 2024 campaign
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.’
Davis transferred from Virginia Union to West Virginia, but played in just one game
He transferred to Sam Houston State in January with the hopes of playing one more season
Tributes to Davis poured in across social media – especially in the comments under his Instagram posts where followers mourned his passing.
Nilson Sports, the NIL agency Davis was working with, posted, ‘More than a client, William Davis was a remarkable young man who left an impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Will’s family, friends, teammates, and all who loved him. Rest In Peace.’
‘Amazing Human, rest peacefully Will,’ posted his NIL agent, Tristen Kuhn.
‘Gutted for Will’s Family,’ posted Luke Bengston – a wide receivers coach at South Dakota State who worked with Davis at Virginia Union.
‘Terrific young man and leader. Made others around him better. Connected with all of his teammates/coaches on a personal level. And did it all with that megawatt smile.’
