Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Q&A with All-MVFC RB D.J. Davis
10/31/2019 | 11:30:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Senior running back D.J. Davis has played a vital role for a Saluki Football program that has won its last two MVFC games. The Pompano, Beach, Fla. native surpassed 2,000 career rushing yards earlier this season and is just 88 yards shy of 5,000 career all-purpose yards. With four games remaining in the regular season, Davis is focused on helping SIU make the playoffs for the first time since 2009.
What was going through your mind when you went down with an elbow injury at Arkansas State?
I just thought about how I wasn't able to help my team. I thought about it throughout the night and into the morning. I rejuvenated and prayed about it a lot. Being off the field was a stepping stone to becoming a better leader. During my absence, I used my voice and passion off the field to inspire the team.
Did you think the injury had the chance to be season ending when it happened?
I always had faith that I'd come back. I just didn't know how long the recovery would last. Once I started getting in the recovery process and started getting better and better, I realized that I was going to be back sooner than people thought.
How was the recovery process?
It was good. It was mostly a mental thing. The physical aspect just came with time. Once that passed, I made sure that my mental state was good and I then knew I was going to be okay.
Does your playing brace alter how you play?
It's totally different playing with a brace. But once I get locked in and become mentally focused, it's not a distraction. I just play like there is nothing on my arm. I'm getting used to it and playing better with it each and every day.
Is catching passes or taking handoffs more difficult with the brace?
It's little more difficult catching passes. But like I said, if I get past the mental barrier and work a little extra to get my arm up, then I'm the same player as before. So continuing with the brace will be no problem.
As a senior, this will be your first time playing November football with the chance to make the playoffs. How does it feel to play for a purpose like that?
It feels great. I'm especially happy for these seniors, coach Hill (Nick Hill) and the rest of the staff. I've wanted this since I came in as a freshman and it's finally here. Now that we have the opportunity, we just need to stay locked in and keep winning.
What can the team do to help the win streak continue?
Just staying focused, not letting success get to our heads and not getting lazy. Our practices this week have been strong, so we just have to keep those productive days coming. If we keep stacking good days on top of each other, then the wins are going to continue to come.
Are you guys having more fun in practice than in years past at this point in this season?
It's a different feeling. We're playing for something in November. We're continuing to gain confidence and it's overall just a great feeling to win. We're having fun with it and working hard.
A big key to SIU's success this season has been the rushing attack. Do you consider yourself a mentor of the deep running back group?
I'm the old man of the group this year. In previous years, it wasn't me being the old man, but I've gained knowledge over the years from coach Griffin (Nate Griffin). Now I've been trying to soak these younger guys up with the same knowledge that Griff gave me. I keep watching them get better because of it. Those guys are going to have a lot of success this year and years after.
Javon Williams Jr., Romeir Elliott and yourself all seem to have a different running style. How does that help your rushing attack?
It's really hard for a defense to prepare for us. You can prepare through watching film and trying to predict what one running back may do, but it's a different feeling come game time. We're all explosive, yet we can all do different things, so it has to be hard to stop that.
What has it meant to play alongside many of the seniors for four-straight seasons?
It's a brotherhood. I look at them nothing less, nothing else other than brothers. We're family and have stuck together throughout these four years. It's our first year playing for something in November. It means a lot to us, so I really want to win for those guys.
What has been your favorite memory at SIU?
I would have to say freshman year move-in day. It feels like yesterday when we were rolling onto campus. The time has flown by and now we're seniors. I especially remember seeing how big Z (ZeVeyon Furcron) was and then hearing how weak his voice was. Move-in day is a memory I'll never forget.
With the season winding down, has it hit that your Saluki Football career is almost finished?
It's hitting, but I'm cherishing each moment. Not only in the games, but in practice, meetings, film and everything. I'm having fun with the guys every day and we're really coming together as a team. College football doesn't last forever, so we have to cherish these moments while they are in front of us.
How has the offensive staff helped improve your game?
I've learned a lot from coach Hill, coach Griff and now coach Rolan (Blake Rolan). Even though I'm the senior in the room with all this knowledge over the years, I'm still learning. I learn something new every single day, whether it's through watching film with coach Griff or talking over plays with Hill and Rolan. It's been special to have those guys teach me.
You seem to hit a different milestone in the record book each week. Were these goals you had in mind when you first came to SIU?
I had goals when I came in, but I didn't even think of these kind of milestones. Most of my goals revolved around winning, going to the playoffs and things like that. Reaching these milestones in addition to earning some big wins this season has meant a lot. I try to stay humble with it and let my family keep up with all the stats. My mom will always text me after the game telling me how I did this and that statistically. But I'm just enjoying the moment and remaining humble.
A lot of people know you as the "Dynamic" D.J. Davis. When did that start?
It started during my senior year of high school. I did some special things on the field that year and the name stuck. To this day, a lot of my buddies still call me the "Dynamic" D.J. Davis. Sometimes they even call me "Superman".
