One of the best players in Jacksonville State football history will be returning to Calhoun County.

Former Jax State and NFL defensive back Eric Davis has been hired as the director of player development as his alma mater, it was announced Tuesday evening.

“I’m thrilled to rejoin the program and work with these talented young men,” Davis said in a release. “Our goal is to support them in every way, helping them define their identity, pursue their dreams, and achieve success on and off the field.”

Among the Anniston native’s responsibilities include helping with the growth of players on the field and in the classroom.

“I think it’s important for our players to have access to a player that has been here and had success at the highest level,” Jax State coach Charles Kelly said in a release. “Eric is a professional on and off the field and I’m excited to see our players benefit from his counsel.”

One of the most accomplished players in program history, Davis is a member of the Jacksonville State Hall of Fame and was a member of the Division II championship team in 1989; he was named to the Gulf South Conference all-decade team for the 1980s and is a member of the Division II College Hall of Fame and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

He was selected in the second round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers and went on to have a 13-year NFL career.

Davis is a two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection and helped lead the 49ers to a victory over the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX, hauling in a second-quarter interception.

He totaled 38 interceptions during his NFL career.

Jax State will open the season against Central Florida on Thursday, Aug. 28.