Interview: 3-Star 2019 Nevada LB Billy Davis Updates Recruiting and Upcoming Southern Utah Visit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As college football enters the second half of the 2018 season, coaches across the country will dramatically amp up the search for future ballers they hope to add to their roster. As the search becomes more intense and deeper reaching, expect to hear the name of Arbor View High School linebacker Billy Davis more and more in the coming weeks.
Davis is that do-everything linebacker who draws a fair comparison to Arkansas Razorbacks’ inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Davis, like Greenlaw, stuffs the run and can defend the pass. During Davis’ junior campaign, he helped lead the Aggies to the Nevada 4A state title game with a team-high 63 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, two sacks, one pick, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble. He even worked as a short-yardage back toting the rock seven times for 27 yards with a touchdown.
After compiling a 10-1 record a year ago, the Aggies are once again one of the top teams in Nevada with a 7-1 record ranked No. 4 in-state by MaxPreps. No surprise to see their 6-1, 225-pound, thumper filling the stat sheet again with 53 tackles, the team-high, eight tackles for a loss, five sacks, five passes broken up and one interception. And, once again, running hard on offense with nine carries for 39 yards.
Shockingly, just three offers have come Davis’ way thus far; Dixie State, Presentation College, and Southern Utah. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I wanted to find out more about the three-star recruit sitting down for a fun one-on-one interview.
Interview
Billy, the Aggies have played a lot of good teams this year and have been in some very tight ball games prevailing to a 7-1 record thus far. What is the mood on the team, what is the team’s mindset?
“We have that killer mindset. We go full-force and battle until the end.”
You guys just got a tough 10-7 win over a talented Faith Lutheran team, how did that game go for you?
“I think I played well. I had 11 tackles and one sack.”
Nice. How will all of these tight showdowns help you guys come playoff time?
“We will have that trust in each other. We know we can put it on each other, offense or defense, to pull off the win.”
This is a bye week for you guys, what was the focus of this week, rest and fundamentals or preparing for Shadow Ridge (6-2) already?
“We’ve been preparing for Shadow Ridge and working on the little things while getting healthy as well.”
The Mustangs look like they can put some points on defenses, what are you expecting from their offense?
“We are expecting them to come at us early with trick plays to test our defense in a way we have not been tested before.”
As a tough outside linebacker, what all are you asked to do in the Aggies defense?
“I do everything, stop the run and defend the pass. What I do from game to game depends on the team we are playing and their schemes. Each week I execute what the coaches want me to do.”
For the second season in a row you are leading the team in tackles. You are a leader out there, how do you lead the defense and the team on and off the field?
“I make sure everyone knows what they are doing and are on top of their stuff. When we do our own jobs, we play better as a team.”
How are you seeing your overall skills improve this year?
“Last year I was not as tough against the pass, this year I am showing more versatility overall and I am much better defending against the pass.”
You also get some carries on offense, are you the short-yardage back on big third and fourth down plays?
“Yeah. I can run the ball in tough situations to get the first down when needed.”
Do you like getting the extra time on the field at running back?
“Yes. Up until my sophomore year offense was my primary position. I love it.”
You have the three offers, which schools are showing interest in you?
“San Diego State, Weber State, and Boise State are showing interest in me.”
Have you taken any unofficial or official visits over the last couple of months?
“Yes. I have visits to Dixie State and San Diego State on unofficial visits.”
How did the Dixie State visit go?
“It was a really good visit. I loved the facility and the coaching staff. That was a super cool visit.”
What about SDSU, how did the visit with the Aztecs go?
“That was a perfect visit. I loved the coaches, the weather, their facilities – I love everything about San Diego.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“Yes. This weekend I am visiting Southern Utah.”
Nice. What has you excited about visiting Southern Utah?
“All their recruits form this class will be there and it is their homecoming. I will be seeing the town at its best. This visit will be a good experience for me.”
Back to Arbor View football. The Aggies made it to the championship game last season, what does the team need to do this year to make another run through the playoffs?
“We just need to take it game by game. We cannot overlook anyone. We have to go into each game knowing what we need to do, if we do that we will be fine.”
Billy, I appreciate your time today and good luck on Saturday with your visit to Southern Utah.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Kevin Bollinger; No. 15 Billy Davis in action