D.J. Davis is in the midst of a breakout season as the feature running back for the Salukis. The junior has rushed for 100-plus yards in three-consecutive games and ranks among the national leaders in all-purpose yards.
What was it like growing up in a household with four siblings?
It was chaotic but great. I was the middle child of three brothers and one sister. My sister was calm, but my brothers and I were constantly competing. When we weren’t playing football, we were running around messing with each other.
The high school you attended, American Heritage (Fla.), is one of the most successful football programs in the nation. How was your experience playing there?
After the spring of my sophomore year, I transferred to American Heritage, so I had two full years with the team. Those two seasons, we made it to the state championship. Unfortunately, we lost to Trinity Christian both years which was heartbreaking.
Are there any notable players in college football or the NFL that you have played with or against?
I have played with a number of big-time college recruits who I believe will eventually make it to the NFL. One that stood out is Greg Bryant, who played at Notre Dame and UAB prior to his death in 2016. I also remember Trinity Christian having seven DI college recruits on the defense alone.
Do you believe you were overlooked by college recruiters?
I feel like because I am a smaller running back, I was overlooked. It just gives me additional motivation to prove them and other doubters wrong.
Was it a struggle adjusting to SIU?
My high school is like a mini-college so I was prepared coming to SIU. Freshman year is a bit of a struggle for everyone but once you get through it, the process becomes much easier.
At 5’8, 168 pounds, how do you try and keep your body in good shape through an entire football season?
At every level of football, I have been one of the smallest guys on the field. I train and take care of my body to the best of my ability and take advantage of treatment options after each practice and game.
Have you noticed any differences transitioning from a pass-catching back to an every-down back?
My role has changed a lot. Last week, I carried the ball 35 times, which is my most by a landslide. After my sophomore year, I told myself and coach Griffin that I was going to prove that I am an every-down back. The weekly goal during the offseason and playing season is for steady improvement so that it translates to wins for the team.
Through three games, you have already eclipsed your previous career-high in rushing yards. What would you attribute to this early success?
None of that is achieved without the offensive line. They are doing an amazing job and work hard every down. I am trying to match their level of hard work and it has resulted in success so far. I have to hand it to coach Griffin as well. He is doing great things with the running backs. The simple concepts like pressing the hole and blocking are making us better as a group.
This is your third year under running backs coach Nate Griffin. What type of impact has he played since your arrival to SIU?
He has made a positive impact on and off the field. He cares about each running back when it comes to football, school and life. I can talk to coach Griffin about anything and knowing that he cares so much, makes me want to go 10-times harder on the field for him.
Coach Hill has raved about your hard work and dedication. Do you credit anyone to instilling that mentality?
My older brother is one of my biggest role models. I knew how much the game of football meant to him. Growing up, I always wanted to be like him. Once I saw the game taken away from him, I realized the same can happen to me as well. It drives me to give it my all every play, whether its in practice, blocking or running the ball.
What has been the toughest moment since your arrival to southern Illinois?
My aunt died during my freshman year and I found out last spring that my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. While I keep a composed demeanor off the field, they were truly tough moments. Thinking of them, pushes me to work even harder on the field.
What was it like growing up in a household with four siblings?
It was chaotic but great. I was the middle child of three brothers and one sister. My sister was calm, but my brothers and I were constantly competing. When we weren’t playing football, we were running around messing with each other.
The high school you attended, American Heritage (Fla.), is one of the most successful football programs in the nation. How was your experience playing there? After the spring of my sophomore year, I transferred to American Heritage, so I had two full years with the team. Those two seasons, we made it to the state championship. Unfortunately, we lost to Trinity Christian both years which was heartbreaking.
Are there any notable players in college football or the NFL that you have played with or against?
I have played with a number of big-time college recruits who I believe will eventually make it to the NFL. One that stood out is Greg Bryant, who played at Notre Dame and UAB prior to his death in 2016. I also remember Trinity Christian having seven DI college recruits on the defense alone.
Do you believe you were overlooked by college recruiters?
I feel like because I am a smaller running back, I was overlooked. It just gives me additional motivation to prove them and other doubters wrong.
Was it a struggle adjusting to SIU?
My high school is like a mini-college so I was prepared coming to SIU. Freshman year is a bit of a struggle for everyone but once you get through it, the process becomes much easier.
At 5’8, 168 pounds, how do you try and keep your body in good shape through an entire football season?
At every level of football, I have been one of the smallest guys on the field. I train and take care of my body to the best of my ability and take advantage of treatment options after each practice and game.
Have you noticed any differences transitioning from a pass-catching back to an every-down back?
My role has changed a lot. Last week, I carried the ball 35 times, which is my most by a landslide. After my sophomore year, I told myself and coach Griffin that I was going to prove that I am an every-down back. The weekly goal during the offseason and playing season is for steady improvement so that it translates to wins for the team.
Through three games, you have already eclipsed your previous career-high in rushing yards. What would you attribute to this early success?
None of that is achieved without the offensive line. They are doing an amazing job and work hard every down. I am trying to match their level of hard work and it has resulted in success so far. I have to hand it to coach Griffin as well. He is doing great things with the running backs. The simple concepts like pressing the hole and blocking are making us better as a group.
This is your third year under running backs coach Nate Griffin. What type of impact has he played since your arrival to SIU?
He has made a positive impact on and off the field. He cares about each running back when it comes to football, school and life. I can talk to coach Griffin about anything and knowing that he cares so much, makes me want to go 10-times harder on the field for him.
Coach Hill has raved about your hard work and dedication. Do you credit anyone to instilling that mentality?
My older brother is one of my biggest role models. I knew how much the game of football meant to him. Growing up, I always wanted to be like him. Once I saw the game taken away from him, I realized the same can happen to me as well. It drives me to give it my all every play, whether its in practice, blocking or running the ball.
What has been the toughest moment since your arrival to southern Illinois?
My aunt died during my freshman year and I found out last spring that my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. While I keep a composed demeanor off the field, they were truly tough moments. Thinking of them, pushes me to work even harder on the field.
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