He played college football for the UCLA Bruins, switching to the offensive line after beginning his collegiate career as a defensive tackle.

[2] Davis was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the 11th round of the 1979 NFL draft, his low position due to his limited time as an offensive lineman.

He had arthroscopic surgery on both knees that offseason and fell to third on the depth chart at left tackle behind Don Maggs and David Williams.

[9][10][11] Davis was born on June 21, 1956, in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and graduated from Henry E. Lackey High School in Indian Head, Maryland.

[13] Davis's son Bruce II also attended UCLA and was an All-American at defensive end with the Bruins,[13] and played professionally as well for the Oakland Raiders.