Davis set to be starting receiver

By Mike Baldwin

Published: April 9, 2008

Based on two full-contact scrimmages, Damian Davis has been the Cowboys' second most productive receiver this spring.

"Double-D has had a good spring,” said coach Mike Gundy. "He's further ahead than those other guys because he played some last year. He has more experience. He's coming along really well.”

Davis hauled in five catches for 48 yards in OSU's first major scrimmage two weeks ago. In last week's scrimmage, Davis added five receptions for 56 yards.

"The thing I was worried about is as a tall guy, (defenders) can get under your pads sometimes and knock you back on blocking,” said receivers coach Trooper Taylor. "But he's done really well. He's competing really hard. Double-D is going to show up and make plays.”

OSU signed four highly regarded receivers in the 2007 class. Bryant and Davis were the only two to play. Josh Cooper and Hubert Anyiam redshirted. Will Cole was moved from defensive back to receiver but had much to learn switching positions during the season.

Other receivers vying for playing time include: junior Jeremy Broadway, DeMarcus Conner, Bo Bowling and Artie Woods, who will be cleared for all football activities this summer following back surgery.

Davis played in nine games. He recorded only two catches for 47 yards but coaches complimented his blocking skills.

"He's developed a lot,” said quarterback Zac Robinson. "He came in pretty light but has gained close to 15 to 20 pounds. He started playing towards the end of the season. Now he knows everything we're doing offensively.”

Davis, 6-foot-5, 185 pounds, is penciled in to fill Adarius Bowman's vacancy.

Named a first-team Class 2A All-State receiver his senior year at Mart, Texas, Davis compiled 56 catches for 1,082 yards and 15 touchdowns.

What has stood out during the two scrimmages is Davis' athletic skills. He's made leaping catches over defenders and acrobatic receptions, often diving for passes.

"For a big guy I've never seen anybody that's 6-5 that is so shifty and moves around that well,” Robinson said. "He and Dez have great hands. There are six or seven guys who will help us out tremendously. (Davis) has shown he will make some big plays for us this season.”

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