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Tommy Rees gives heartfelt statement on impact of losing Avery Davis

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz08/16/22NickSchultz_7
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Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Notre Dame got some tough news when Avery Davis suffered a torn ACL and will miss the season. He’s receiving support from his teammates, and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees opened up about Davis’ up-and-down career in South Bend.

Davis tore his left ACL last season and opted to come back for one more go-round before tearing the ligament in his right knee over the weekend. Although on the field, it’s a hit to the Fighting Irish wide receiver depth, Rees spoke more about Davis as a person and what he means to the program off the field.

“You’re not going to find a guy that’s more respected than Avery Davis,” Rees said. “From his peers to the coaches, the way he’s handled himself, you want to talk about heartbreak for a program, everybody has felt that for Avery. For him to fight through everything early in his career, to find a role, own that role, be voted a captain, tear his knee, decide to come back and then for it to happen again, you can’t ever justify it.

“All we can do right now is love AD and give him our support and be there for him through these tough times. You saw the impact on the group last night. You could feel it. That’s who AD is. There’s not a guy in this program that wouldn’t do anything for that kid. We’re going to love him and support him and be there for him.”

Marcus Freeman addresses replacement options following Avery Davis’ injury

Avery Davis, a sixth-year player and team captain for Notre Dame, will miss the 2022 season with a torn ACL. This comes after he missed the final month of the 2021 season with an ACL injury to his other knee.

Davis’ injury leaves the Irish with a lot less depth at the wide receiver position, which head coach Marcus Freeman addressed with the media. Freeman said using more tight ends could be an option, as well as moving a defensive back to the offensive side of the ball.

However, he also said that they haven’t made any decision yet.

“We just found out last night and so it will be something that me, Coach Rees, and Coach Golden we all discuss what’s best for this team. There’s a lot of guys that can help us,” Freeman said.