Antwan Davis – Wide Receiver – Ball State
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Antwan Davis: Height is 5’11, weight is 205, and I haven’t run the forty yet.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Antwan Davis: I did track for one year during my junior year.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Antwan Davis: WR, QB, and FS.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Antwan Davis: I had no offers. I had preferred walk-on spots.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Lincoln University (Mo.)?
Antwan Davis: My high school teammate K.J. Singleton was going to Lincoln. I asked him to show my tape to the coaches. They liked what they saw, and I signed there. I played there for one year.
Alex Khvatov: How would you sum up your time at Lincoln University?
Antwan Davis: My time was great. I broke a school record that still stands. I broke the record for most receiving yards in a game at Lincoln with 215. I was the go-to-guy in the offense. I rotated in until the last five games of the season when I became the starter. I had 45 catches, 677 yards and five TD’s.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to Ball State?
Antwan Davis: Following the winter break, I had some family stuff going on. Ball State was the best opportunity for my major. It was also a chance to be closer to home. I wanted to play D-I. I sent my film out. Coach Dougherty, TE’s and special teams coach at Ball State, contacted me. I went there as a walk-on.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your overall career with the Cardinals.
Antwan Davis: I have spent five years with the Cardinals. My first year in 2016, I redshirted due to the transfer rule. In 2017, I worked hard in the offseason and started my first year. I got injured, but it didn’t keep me off the field. In the summer of 2018, I got awarded the scholarship. I played in the first game, but I broke my foot in the second game. I missed the entire season. I went through the recovery and got awarded the medical redshirt. I started every game in 2019 and 2020. This year, we accomplished a lot as a team. I played on the outside and in the slot this year. I am comfortable at both. But majority of the time, I played outside here.
Alex Khvatov: How unusual was this 2020 season?
Antwan Davis: It was weird. We got tested almost every day. We got irritated by it. The whole season, we had less than five cases among staff and players on this team. No players missed games. We had a limited capacity of fans at home games. There were no fans at the MAC Championship or the bowl game in Arizona.
Alex Khvatov: What was it like to beat Buffalo and win the MAC championship in 2020?
Antwan Davis: It was definitely an amazing feeling. The growth we have had. In 2017, we had a 2-10 record. Each year, we progressed. In 2019, three games were decided by eight points or less. We had to make sure that we do not lose those close game. We had a motto this year. DOB, which stands for Detroit or Bust. We dominated Buffalo. We definitely had the inner confidence. We lost the opening game to Miami. We practiced and prepared. We got better each game. We had a crazy game against Western Michigan at the end. We had great guys in the locker room, and we have great coaches.
Alex Khvatov: You had one year of extra eligibility, why did you decide to enter the 2021 NFL Draft?
Antwan Davis: After talking it over with my family and my receiver’s coach, I feel like I have accomplished a lot. I checked all of the boxes. It is time for the next step. I decided to go to the draft especially after the MAC Championship win and the win against San Jose State in the bowl game. I accomplished everything. I got my undergrad in communications and I will complete my master’s in athletic coaching education in the spring. On March 7th, I will be 24. This year, I felt like I will have a chance.
Alex Khvatov: Where will you be training for the NFL Draft?
Antwan Davis: I will be training in Indianapolis with WR Krishawn Hogan and my former teammate RB James Gilbert. He was with the Rams, but didn’t make the roster. It will be at PACE Academy. It is the best place for me and it is closer to home.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Antwan Davis: I run good routes. I get separation. I pride myself on route running. I always make every route look the same. I have good hands. I do a good job after the catch. I break a lot of tackles. I block very well downfield.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Antwan Davis: Continue to fine tune my route running and improve my downfield blocking when the ball is away from me. Give the RB more space and room to operate.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Antwan Davis: The highlight is the MAC Championship game. It has been the goal since day one. It was great to win it against a ranked opponent. Everyone thought that Buffalo would steamroll us.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Antwan Davis: The biggest lesson is just to trust the process and always work hard. Coach Neu always told us to work on our craft, and everything else will take care of itself.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Antwan Davis: The Baltimore Ravens. I was from Maryland before I moved to Indiana. I played on their field during Pee Wee football.
Alex Khvatov: Is there an NFL WR that you aspire to play like?
Antwan Davis: Stefon Diggs. He is a smooth route runner. He is smart against zone coverage. He finds those holes. He runs great routes. He is from Maryland. I saw some of his games back then. He has worked hard.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?
Antwan Davis: WR Justin Hall, WR Yo’Heinz Tyler, QB Drew Plitt, S Bryce Cosby. CB Amechi Uzodinma and redshirt freshman WR Qian Magwood should have a breakout year
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best CB that you have faced on an opposing team?
Antwan Davis: CB Darius Phillips. He played at Western Michigan. He was fast and really patient. He was smart to know what was coming. He is with the Broncos now. Also my teammate Antonio Phillips is great competition. He declared with me. He had a pick six in the bowl game. We always went back and forth with him at practice. We made each other better. He is fast, big and physical.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a WR?
Antwan Davis: Route running, strong hands and being able to separate at the top of your routes. Separation is the key.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Antwan Davis: Being able to showcase my talent that God has blessed me with. This team is like family to me. I am with them more than my actual family. I have a bond with these guys. It was great to be in the locker room with the guys after the MAC Championship game. We were celebrating. It was great to see all of the blood, sweat and tears pay off in the end.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Antwan Davis: I play basketball sometimes with my teammates. I play Call of Duty. I always enjoyed working out.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Antwan Davis: After football, I want to get into coaching or training. I got my undergrad in communications. I want to be involved in the game with the youth.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
Antwan Davis: I think it is my drive to better myself. I always had the motto. Never satisfied, I always want to be the best. I want to become a better person, athlete and son tomorrow. I am goal driven and motivated.
Alex Khvatov: What characteristics off the field set you apart from the rest of the guys?
Antwan Davis: I am very caring and selfless. If someone is going through some tough times, I will reach out. You can call me any time. Empathy is a big thing to me.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Antwan Davis: Diligent, caring, hungry, kind, and compassionate.
Alex Khvatov: Who will win the Super Bowl and why?
Antwan Davis: I am biased. The Ravens.
