One of the most coveted junior college players in the country in 2002, Davis began his collegiate career as an outside linebacker before shifting to defensive end as a senior. Davis originally signed with Florida State out of high school, but did not qualify academically. He spent the 2001-02 seasons at Jones Junior College, playing linebacker as a freshman before shifting to defensive end the following year. He totaled 65 tackles with 12 stops for losses as a freshman, followed by 70 tackles and eight sacks during his sophomore campaign.