Where are they now?: ‘Last Chance U’ star Kailon Davis
NEW ORLEANS (BVM) – Kailon Davis is remembered for his smile, laugh, joking personality and passion while starring in the fourth season of Netflix’s hit series, “Last Chance U.” The defensive end hailed from East St. John High School in Louisiana, and came to Independence Community College (ICC) where he was featured in the series.
Playing opposite recent NFL draft pick Jermaine Johnson, Davis totaled just seven tackles as a freshman, but improved dramatically as a sophomore with 35 tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Despite several injuries during his run on the show, including a late-season concussion, Davis remained joyful and a bright spot for his team. His play at ICC earned him looks from the likes of UAB, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Liberty and Western Kentucky.
Ultimately, he would wind up at Arkansas State, aiming to make an impact with the Red Wolves.
Heart, talent, and opportunity personified. @kailondavis1, best of luck to you at Arkansas! pic.twitter.com/xaycdDKU2Q
— Last Chance U: Basketball (@LastChanceU) August 19, 2019
In 2019, the New Orleans native played in nine games as a backup defensive lineman, racking up nine tackles.
However, things would change in 2020. With the college football world shaken up due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis’ football career would also take a hit. After playing in just two games for the Red Wolves that season, Davis decided to medically retire from football due to heart problems.
Kailon Davis (@kailondavis1) has announced he will be hanging up his cleats due to heart problems pic.twitter.com/egOhINmZbh
— Last Chance U (@LastChanceUAlum) April 11, 2021
It was a sad state of affairs for one of the most beloved players on “Last Chance U.” However, it wasn’t Davis’ first bout through adversity, whether it was having to take the JUCO route to eventually receiving 25 scholarship offers, enduring learning difficulties throughout his schooling, or seeing loved ones pass away including his grandmother and two siblings.
Once again, the defensive end fought through it all and returned to the field in 2021, transferring to play for an HBCU in Arkansas Pine-Bluff. In four 2021 spring games, Davis forced two fumbles. Playing for the Golden Lions last fall, Davis recorded 18 tackles, six of which were for loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, a blocked kick and a fumble recovery touchdown.
Kailon Davis (@kailondavis1) is playing football again. He is currently at Arkansas – Pine Bluff. He recovered a fumble for a touchdown vs Lane College in their 34-16 win. pic.twitter.com/XPUeKAEZoy
— Last Chance U (@LastChanceUAlum) September 6, 2021
The stellar play got Davis further noticed, as he got to play in the HBCU Legacy Bowl back in his hometown of New Orleans this past winter.
Kailon Davis has accepted his invitation to play in the HBCU Legacy Bowl @HBCULegacyBowl pic.twitter.com/3AVl5C3u6I
— Last Chance U (@LastChanceUAlum) January 8, 2022
Throughout the late winter and early spring, Davis continued to put in work, hoping to complete his comeback story with an opportunity in the NFL.
Kailon Davis (@kailondavis1) announces he will be entering the 2022 NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/MRcnQBVEpz
— Last Chance U (@LastChanceUAlum) November 26, 2021
He hasn’t gotten that opportunity, at least yet. However, in May, Davis signed on to play professional football in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Although he was released later in the month, it was one step closer to Davis’ pro football dreams. Whether it be the CFL, NFL or any other professional football league, Davis still has the potential to reach his goal, and his determination and will may just get him there.
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