HBCU Football National Champion Wide Receiver Re-Signs With His First NFL Team

2021 HBCU National Champion wide receiver returns to the New Orleans Saints.

Dec 18, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; South Carolina State Bulldogs wide receiver Shaquan Davis (1) reacts after catching a touchdown pass against the Jackson State Tigers during the first half during the 2021 Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints announced signing HBCU football standout Shaquan Davis to their roster in Sunday's NFL transactions. The star wide receiver from South Carolina State returns to the Saints after a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he signed a reserve/future contract on Jan. 18. However, the Eagles waived him on Aug. 7, just before their preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens.

To make room for Shaquan Davis, the New Orleans Saints waived wide receiver Marquez Callaway, who had been re-signed the previous week. Davis' return to the Saints is significant as he had previously made a strong impression during his time with the team.

Dec 18, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; South Carolina State Bulldogs wide receiver Shaquan Davis (1) receives the Offensive MVP trophy after his team defeated the Jackson State Tigers in the 2021 Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

While with the New Orleans Saints, Shaquan Davis showcased his talent during training camp and preseason games. He became a fan favorite despite not securing a permanent spot on the active roster. In the 2023 preseason, Davis recorded seven catches for 101 yards, establishing himself as one of Jameis Winston's reliable targets with his ability to make challenging catches. His size and skill set made him a standout during training camp, drawing attention from both fans and coaches.

Davis's journey with the Saints and NFL has been a testament to his resilience. The team initially waived him on Aug. 29, 2023, as it reduced its roster to meet the NFL's 53-man requirement. He was later reinstated from the practice squad injured reserve by December 2023, marking his recovery and return to practice.

Aug 20, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints tightened Shaq Davis catches a pass over Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Cam Brown (38) during the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports / Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Alongside former HBCU star and UAPB offensive lineman Mark Evans II, Davis remained on the New Orleans practice squad until the end of the season.

In the 2021 Celebration Bowl, Shaquan Davis delivered an outstanding performance for South Carolina State, which played a crucial role in their 31-10 victory over Jackson State. Davis recorded five receptions for 95 yards and set a Celebration Bowl record by scoring three receiving touchdowns. His exceptional performance earned him the Offensive MVP award for the game while being instrumental in the Bulldogs' upset victory over Coach Deion Sanders and Jackson State.

After the 2023 regular season, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Davis, anticipating his potential as a top target for quarterback Jalen Hurts. With his return to the New Orleans Saints, Davis could continue a promising career in the NFL as an emerging HBCU football talent.

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PREVIOUS ARTICLE ON SHAQ DAVIS

Former Bulldogs Wideout Signs With Eagles

Former South Carolina State star wide receiver Shaquan Davis signed a reserve/future deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to John Hendrix of the Saints News Network.  

New Orleans offered Davis an undrafted free-agent contract after the 2022 NFL Draft. He performed well in training camp and preseason games but couldn't crack the team's 53-man roster.   

Davis signed to the Saints' practice squad. On Oct. 9, New Orleans placed him on injured reserve. Hendrix reported the team returned him to the practice squad on Dec. 7.

He'll have an opportunity to take flight with the Eagles and quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Eagles' secondary underperformed this season after going to the team's Super Bowl run last year.

Shaquan Davis is well-known for torching the Jackson State secondary in the 2021 Celebration Bowl. He had five receptions for 95 yards and three touchdowns in route to winning the game's Offensive MVP trophy.   Also, the South Carolina State Bulldogs under legendary head coach Buddy Pough was crowned the 2021 HBCU Football National Champions. 

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Davis Had Sold Debut With Saints (2023)

Shaquan Davis, WR (South Carolina State)

Last week, head coach Dennis Allen told our partner site, Saints News Network's Ross Jackson, about Davis: "What has he seen from Shaq Davis throughout training camp?" Allen replied, "Long, rangy, athletic receiver. I think he's still learning the playbook. So, I think he's a little behind in that area. But I like his skill set. I like his athleticism. He's got to come along through the playbook and make sure he's in the right spots when he's supposed to be there."

On Sunday, Davis played in 11 offensive snaps during the second half of the Saints' 26-24 victory over the Chiefs. Rookie quarterback Jake Haener targeted him three times, resulting in two receptions for 20 yards, and the other pass drew a penalty against Kansas City in the end zone, leading to a touchdown. On one catch, Davis had to skywalk Caesars Superdome's turf to snag Haener's pass in for an 18-yard catch.

MARK EVANS II, G (UAPB)

The Arkansas-Pine Bluff star offensive lineman played 31 offensive snaps and one specials teams play at right guard in the second half of the Saints-Chiefs contest. Evans rotated possessions with his main competition at right guard, Calvin Throckmorton. Evans had several good plays by pancaking defenders, blocking up to the second level on run plays, and protecting the quarterback on crucial passing downs. He accounted for two quarterback pressures and a holding penalty on a bullrush but did not give up a sack.