For LSU sophomore and wide receiver Drake Davis, playing football was not his first choice.
Davis grew up with a love for soccer, and as a junior in high school, he was ranked as one of the top prospects in the country. He gradually gravitated towards football during his sophomore year of high school, realizing football could pay for his education.
Davis believes his skills from playing soccer can translate onto the football field in a variety of ways.
“I can run longer than most guys,” Davis said. “I would say my balance is more out there than other guys. It helped me with my mind body coordination. Knowing what to use and when to use it at the right time, and as a receiver it helps you with shedding.”
As a true freshman, Davis caught one pass for 19 yards against Jacksonville State, but says being behind some veteran leaders helped him develop quickly in the offense.
“It was a good experience for me,” Davis said. “Being behind Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural I could really sit back and take it as a learning experience.”
Teammate DJ Chark said he has been impressed with how Davis has progressed since his freshman year and sees big things in Davis’s future.
“Drake’s been focused and doing whatever he is asked to do,” Chark said. “He’s getting better in his route running, catching and being a complete receiver.”
Chark added that Davis will be called on to produce more this season, and with his athletic ability, that should not be a problem.
Davis is eyeing a more significant special teams role for the Tigers this season, especially in the return game and covering kicks.
Davis displayed a knack for special teams last season after he snuck onto the field in place of Dwayne Thomas against Texas A&M, and ended the game with two tackles.
“They have me in a position to be a returner,” Davis said. “I’m on kickoff, punt, kickoff return and second string punt returner.”
Competition amongst the wide receiver group is strong with only a handful of guys getting real game experience a season ago. The mental aspect of the game has taken time for Davis but he feels after two offseasons under his belt that approach is finally starting to come together.
“I feel like I’m coming along with my mindset of what I need to do to dominate the field at all times,” Davis said. “For the receivers right now we’re all just trying to earn our spot so it’s all coming into place right now.”
Coach Ed Orgeron believes the potential Davis possesses is monumental, but says he does need to learn the game more in order to contribute to the team.
“Drake Davis is a premiere athlete,” Orgeron said. “He didn’t play football most of his life so he’s still learning the game, and as soon as he learns it he has the potential to be a very good player.”
