Eddie Davis was recruited from Tampa's Freedom High as a safety in 2006. He received a medical redshirt during his freshman season and saw limited action. He had one notable game as a freshman against Eastern Washington in which he carried the ball for 65 yards on 15 carries. During the next four years, Davis played DB, WR, and was a key special teams player. Although he didn't see the field very much on offense or defense, his athleticism (which he showcased during WVU's Pro-Day) and knowledge on both sides of the ball helped him to earn a contract with the Milwaukee Mustangs of the Arena Football League.
He signed with the Mustangs near the end of their season, and as their schedule drew to a close, Davis began to see more playing time each game. During the closing minutes of Milwaukee's finale against the Iowa Barnstormers, Davis had a key interception (his first as a pro) to help the Mustangs hold on for a victory. Milwaukee missed the playoffs, but are already looking forward to next season as Davis will intimate to us.
I recently had a chance to speak with Davis, and we spoke about his career at WVU, his time in the Arena League, and what his hopes are for the future.
What made you want to play for the Mountaineers?
Eddie Davis: The main reason I became a Mountaineer was because my cousin and I wanted to attend the same college coming out of high school. We were blessed enough to both be recruited by WVU, and that was the time that WVU was coming off a fantastic Bowl win over Georgia. I personally thought of getting out of Florida and seeing what else is out there would be a good thing for me since I only knew Florida and that lifestyle.
What was your favorite moment as a Mountaineer?
Davis: My favorite moment as a Mountaineer would have to be the first game I ever played in as a true freshman. It was also my first game time being in a game with 60,000+ watching and cheering the team on. That whole atmosphere was great!
What do you miss the most about playing in Morgantown?
Davis: The fans of course. The way they supported us was crazy. They are true fans to the bone.
How did switching from offense to defense and back again prepare you for professional football?
Davis: Switching back and forth game me an insight on how the other position across from me is thinking. As a defensive person, you need to understand route combination, tendencies and what your going to get on certain downs and distances. Playing offense helped me understand "as a receiver how am I going to beat this DB?" and vice-versa.
Your performance at WVU's Pro-Day really raised some eyebrows. What kind of input did scouts and pro coaches have for you after that?
Davis: Actually, I don't know what the scouts thought of me after my Pro-Day. After a couple drills I could see scouts whispering and looking at me. I wasn't really worried at the time because I was in my Zone. I just knew I had to kill this Pro-Day in order for me to have any chance of making it further in football. But after it was over, I did have one scout say "Good job."
Were you contacted by any NFL teams before or after the Draft?
Davis: No, I was not. Not having good film really hurt my chances at getting to the next level so easy. So I had to make myself known elsewhere and make sure the NFL would hear and know about me.
When did you know that playing in the Arena League was a realistic option?
Davis: The Canadian team, BC Lions, contacted me and said they would like to have me out there, but they want to see me play more. So they referred me to the Spokane Shock (another AFL team). That's when a big smile came across my face because opportunity was knocking at my door, and this time I was going to take full advantage.
Tell us about the process you underwent before getting signed by the Milwaukee Mustangs.
Davis: I was released from Spokane because it was the wrong place at the wrong time for me. But because I did good during the practices, one of the older players was blown away that they released me. He is actually the reason that the Milwaukee Mustangs found out about me because he called them and told them what I could offer them from what he saw me do during practice.
What did you feel when you put on that Mustangs jersey for the first time?
Davis: It felt great because I had finally become a professional, and I had to earn that jersey because it was not given.
When you stepped on the field for the first time in a game, what was going through your mind?
Davis: Go 100% on everything. I kind of got in trouble because I was running down on kickoff so fast and over running everything, ha ha. But I had no fear!
Tell us about the big 4th quarter interception you had against Iowa during the season finale?
Davis: I pictured myself making that kind of interception before the game. Just from watching film, I was what they liked to run. I didn't know when it would come, but I knew it would come sooner or later. It just happened to be in the final second of the game. Plus, I only had like three passes thrown my way the whole game. I just made the best out of my opportunity!
You were signed through the end of the season. Did the Mustangs give you any indication that they might want you back for next season?
Davis: I received good indication that they will want me back if nothing else works for me.
Where do you hope to be in five years?
Davis: In the NFL!
What are your plans for the offseason?
Davis: Basically to stay prepared for anything that comes my way.
I want to thank Davis for taking the time out to speak with me, and we'll keep you updated on where Davis and the other WVU pros pop up in the future.