When Cecil Cherry made his commitment official to the Longhorns he alluded to the possibility that there would be more prospects from the sunshine state joining him. On the first day of the New Year Miami (FL) Booker T. Washington defensive back DaVante Davis made it official, picking the Longhorns. Davis is a part of the vaunted “Florida Five†along with Cherry, Tim Irvin, Devonaire Clarington, and Gilbert Johnson, and the Longhorns are in a good position with all of them. Davis joins a growing defensive back class filled with physical players that exemplify the type of player Charlie Strong and Vance Bedford prefer to play in the secondary.
Davis visited Texas along with the other members of the Florida Five to watch Texas beat West Virginia in November. Davis narrowed his choices down to Florida State and Texas near the end of his process, but also chose the Horns over offers from Auburn, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Miami, and Ohio State. While Texas will hold spots for defensive back prospects like Holton Hill and Kris Boyd, it’s clear the numbers at that position are starting to get tighter.
Film Analysis:
Davis is a big player at 6’3 190 lbs. His big frame and long arms are the prototype for defensive backs in football. Davis plays physically at both the cornerback and safety positions. Most of his film shows him in off man coverage, but when he does get the chance to engage receivers he uses his hands well and dictates the battle with his reach.
Davis shows good straight-line speed with adequate lateral movement and the ability to turn his hips smoothly. His ball skills are his best weapon as Davis shows a knack for finding the ball and playing it well in the air. Davis has good hands and his eye discipline and ability to undercut pass routes produce multiple interceptions on film.
Davis plays very well at the point of attack and is able to fight through traffic to play the run. Davis shows good tackling technique as he wraps up low and drives through his man. He does sometimes have a habit of tackling high around the shoulders. Davis also has some return skills, and could contribute on special teams.
Final Verdict:
Davis is a bit raw technically but his size and athleticism are what has garnered him offers from the premier programs around the nation. He also brings influence with the remaining Florida prospects on the Longhorn radar. Davis has the size and skill to play early and contribute in a number of roles. His ceiling is an All conference and borderline All American player with a solid chance to cash NFL paychecks in his future.
