Derius Richaud Davis Bio
Derius Richaud Davis is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the TCU Horned Frogs before being selected by the Chargers in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Davis has established himself as one of the most dynamic return specialists in professional football, earning Second-team All-Pro honors and PFWA All-Rookie Team recognition during his debut NFL season.
Early Life and Background
Derius Richaud Davis was born on September 11, 2000, in St. Francisville, Louisiana. He attended West Feliciana High School in his hometown, where he quickly became a multi-sport athlete excelling in both football and track and field. During his senior year in 2017, Davis helped lead the Saints to a Class 3A state championship in football. On the track, he showcased his exceptional speed by winning the 200-meter dash at the Louisiana state meet.
Recruiting services rated Davis as a 3-star prospect coming out of high school. Despite receiving scholarship offers from other programs, he chose to continue his academic and athletic career at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, selecting TCU over Tennessee. Davis enrolled at the university during the summer of 2018, ready to begin his collegiate football journey.
Path to the NFL
Upon arriving at TCU, Davis immediately made an impact during his freshman season in 2018. In his collegiate debut against Southern in the season opener, he scored two touchdowns on just his second career game. His first score came on a 12-yard reception, and he followed it with a remarkable 73-yard punt return for a touchdown in the 55-7 victory. His standout performance continued throughout his rookie campaign, including a clutch 24-yard touchdown reception against Oklahoma State that secured bowl eligibility for the Horned Frogs.
During his sophomore season in 2019, Davis caught 11 passes for 151 yards while continuing to develop as a return specialist. As a junior in 2020, he took over primary punt return duties and delivered two punt return touchdowns in road victories over Baylor and Kansas. His special teams excellence was complemented by a dramatic 71-yard touchdown reception against Oklahoma State in a 29-22 upset victory over the 15th-ranked Cowboys.
Davis became a more central figure in TCU’s offensive scheme during the 2021 season. He led the team with 36 receptions and ranked second with 536 receiving yards. He set new career highs with 6 receptions for 106 yards in a win against Kansas and recorded his first career kickoff return touchdown against West Virginia. His consistency earned him Second-team All-Big 12 honors that season.
Derius Richaud Davis Career
TCU Breakthrough (2022)
Taking advantage of the NCAA’s decision to grant an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis elected to return to TCU for a second senior season in 2022. That campaign proved to be the defining chapter of his collegiate career. He opened the season by scoring the Horned Frogs’ first points on a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown in the season opener at Colorado. His speed became a national story in late September during a road victory over crosstown rival SMU when he caught a short pass from quarterback Max Duggan and took it 80 yards for a touchdown. On that play, Davis was clocked at a top speed of 23.47 mph, becoming the only player in college football or the NFL to break the 23 mph barrier during a game.
Throughout TCU’s remarkable 12-0 start to the season, Davis continued to make game-changing plays. He set a new career high with 7 receptions in a blowout win against 18th-ranked Oklahoma and added critical touchdown receptions in comeback victories over 19th-ranked Kansas, 17th-ranked Kansas State, and Texas Tech. Against Texas Tech, he also recorded his fifth career punt return touchdown, an 82-yarder that broke KaVontae Turpin’s school record. His exceptional season earned him the prestigious Jet Award, given to the nation’s top return specialist, along with Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year honors and First-team All-Big 12 recognition.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2023-Present)
Despite being selected in the fourth round of the 2023 USFL draft by the Birmingham Stallions, Davis chose to pursue his NFL dreams. His dedication paid off when the Los Angeles Chargers selected him in the fourth round, 125th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. Davis joined a Chargers organization seeking to rebuild their special teams unit with playmaking ability.
His impact was immediate and undeniable. During Week 9 of the 2023 season on Monday Night Football against the New York Jets, Davis returned a punt 87 yards for a touchdown that proved pivotal in the Chargers’ 27-6 victory. His performance earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. The electric playmaking ability he showcased throughout his rookie campaign earned him Second-team All-Pro recognition and a spot on the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team, validating the Chargers’ fourth-round investment.
Driving Style and Strengths
Davis possesses exceptional speed that sets him apart from most NFL players. His unique ability to reach speeds exceeding 23 mph in live game action makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. As a return specialist, he demonstrates patience in reading blocks and quickness to exploit creases. His versatility as both a receiver and returner allows the Chargers to deploy him in multiple offensive and special teams packages, maximizing his opportunities to make plays in space.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Davis’ young NFL career came during his Monday Night Football debut against the Jets when his 87-yard punt return for a touchdown sealed an important divisional victory. That performance not only showcased his elite speed but also his composure under the brightest spotlight. Throughout his rookie season, he consistently demonstrated the ability to change field position and create scoring opportunities, traits that made him one of the most decorated special teams players in TCU history.
Derius Richaud Davis Career Wins
Throughout his football career spanning collegiate and professional levels, Davis has accumulated impressive statistics and accolades that highlight his impact as a dynamic playmaker. His ability to contribute as both a receiver and return specialist has resulted in consistent production across multiple facets of the game.
College Career Highlights
During his five seasons at TCU from 2018 to 2022, Davis established himself as one of the most prolific return specialists in program history. He finished his collegiate career with five punt return touchdowns, breaking the school record previously held by KaVontae Turpin. His signature moment came in 2022 when he became the only player in college football to record a top speed exceeding 23 mph during game play. Davis scored touchdowns via receptions, punt returns, and kickoff returns throughout his career, demonstrating versatility that translated directly to the professional level. His 2022 season saw him score multiple touchdowns through the air and on special teams, including his dramatic 80-yard reception against SMU.
NFL Career Statistics
Through his first two NFL seasons, Davis has established himself as a reliable contributor for the Chargers. His rookie season in 2023 saw him record 30 receptions for 188 receiving yards while adding 145 rushing yards. His impact as a return specialist proved even more significant, with 2,059 return yards that showcased his game-changing ability in the kicking game. Davis scored 3 total touchdowns during his rookie campaign, combining his receiving and return skills to maximize his contributions to the team.
| Season | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Rushing Yards | Return Yards | Total Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 30 | 188 | 145 | 2,059 | 3 |
Derius Richaud Davis Family
Family Background
Born and raised in St. Francisville, Louisiana, Davis comes from a football community that values athletic excellence. His multi-sport background, excelling in both football and track at West Feliciana High School, demonstrated the athletic foundation that would carry him to the collegiate and professional levels. While specific details about his family members remain private, his Louisiana roots have shaped his journey from high school state champion to NFL player.
Personal Life
Davis continues to represent his Louisiana heritage as a professional athlete in the NFL. His commitment to football excellence has been evident since his early days as a multi-sport competitor in St. Francisville through his decorated career at TCU and into his current role with the Chargers. His path from a 3-star recruit to a Second-team All-Pro selection exemplifies the determination and work ethic that characterize his professional approach.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Davis’ third year with the Los Angeles Chargers organization as he continues to develop his role within the team’s offensive and special teams schemes. Building on his rookie success that included Second-team All-Pro honors and AFC Special Teams Player of the Week recognition, Davis has worked to expand his contributions in the passing game while maintaining his excellence as a return specialist. His partnership with the Chargers’ coaching staff has focused on refining his route-running ability and situational awareness to increase his impact on third downs and in red zone situations.
The Chargers’ offensive philosophy under head coach Jim Harbaugh has emphasized versatility and disciplined execution, qualities that align well with Davis’ skill set. As a player who can line up at multiple receiver positions and contribute immediately on special teams, Davis provides valuable schematic flexibility for the coaching staff. His proven ability to make big plays in crucial moments, demonstrated by his Monday Night Football punt return touchdown against the Jets, makes him a trusted option when the game is on the line.
Looking ahead, Davis appears positioned to take on an expanded role within the Chargers’ offense while continuing his excellence as one of the league’s most dangerous return specialists. His rare combination of speed, ball skills, and competitive toughness gives him the tools to become one of the NFL’s premier playmakers at his position. The foundation built during his college career at TCU, where he broke return records and earned conference and national recognition, continues to fuel his progression as a professional athlete.