As Darren Davis begins his final season in a Cyclone uniform, Iowa State must prepare for what may be its first year in over half a decade without a Davis in the backfield.

Jason Davis, younger brother of Darren and former standout Troy Davis, will not be in Ames this fall and may not attend ISU at all.

Because of inadequate college entrance test scores, Davis is ineligible to play at the Division I level at this time.

“We were obviously very disappointed that he didn’t qualify,” head coach Dan McCarney said.

Based on the NCAA’s sliding scale, prospective players can match low GPAs with higher test scores and vice versa. Despite numerous attempts, Davis was unable to attain the required SAT or ACT scores.

According to McCarney, Davis now plans to remain in Florida for the semester and work on improving his scores.

“If things work out as we see them, this is just a six-month delay,” McCarney said.

McCarney said he anticipates Davis qualifying for competition as early as January and is holding a scholarship for him.

“I am very much committed to Jason Davis and to the entire Davis family,” McCarney said. “It’s the least I can do for them after all they’ve done for Iowa State.”

Though McCarney is eager to work with Davis, he added that with Darren Davis and Ennis Haywood in the backfield, there may not have been much room for another talented ballcarrier this season.

Jason Davis, considered one of the nation’s top recruits in the Southeast region, piled up over 2,800 yards his last two high school seasons at Miami Southridge.

The Davis family has already accounted for 8,578 all-purpose Cyclone yards.

Troy is the only collegiate running back ever to rush for 2,000 yards in two separate seasons.

Darren will attempt this year to become the only Cyclone to ever rush for 1,000 yards in three separate seasons.