Interview: 3-Star 2020 Oklahoma DE/OLB Nikale Davis is a Talent above His Ranking
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Even with Nikale Davis’ three-star recruiting, something is missing in the summarization of his overall talent. The 6-3, 240-pound, defensive standout racked up 48 tackles with 21 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, two recovered fumbles, and had one pick-six playing end. When opposing 6A Oklahoma offenses scouted Westmore High School (Oklahoma City), knowing where No. 2 was on the field was a top priority. Yet, he still had a big season with teams scheming away from him. His speed, strength, and ability to pressure the quarterback sets him apart from his peer group but his heart and determination takes him to another level. All his given abilities will be put to an additional test during his senior season adding outside linebacker to his role of responsibilities along with playing tight end/H-back for the Jaguars; another opportunity for college scouts to see his overall athleticism.
With two offers on the table from Memphis and Tulsa, I sat down with one of Oklahoma’s top senior talents to learn more about his game in an RNG exclusive interview.
Interview
Nikale, you had an explosive junior season making a lot of fantastic plays. In the same season you got one of the rare combos, you got a pick-six that covered 62 yards and you tackled the quarterback and running back at the same time on a handoff. Which was more exciting for you to accomplish?
“I gotta say the pick-six. I went off in that game, and then I got a sack on the next play. That was a big game and it was a rivalry game.”
There is no denying your speed off the edge getting into the backfield, what are some of the other attributes to your game that makes you so dangerous as an end?
“Even though the play is not coming my way, I give effort. I will chase the play down to get the tackle. My drive is what makes me dangerous.”
How do you feel you took your game to another level last season?
“I got bigger, stronger, more explosive. I worked on improving my game. I was using the right move at the right time. I was focused on developing my overall game, my skill, and my strategy. I studied the game plan, knowing the team I am playing.”
Are you adding any new moves to your toolbox this offseason?
“I was more of a club-arm-over guy last season. I will do more chop-rip and use my spin move this year. I will use a chop and come off with a spin. I am working on a half spin. I worked on that last season. I almost got a sack off that – a spin in and go out.”
What else have you been working on to prepare for your senior year?
“My coverage. We are running a 3-3-5. I am the outside linebacker on the right side. I am working on dropping in my zone, not chasing the receiver, and watching the quarterback. Quarterbacks at this level throw it to the guy they are looking at, they don’t look you off. I am covering now as an outside linebacker but I am still coming off edge, but my next step is covering.”
You are adding outside linebacker to your skillset, are you playing any other positions this season?
“Yes, sir. I will be at tight end and some at fullback.”
What type of tight end will you be for Westmore, a blocking tight end, pass receiving threat, or both?
“I will be running routes and blocking.”
Nice. Are you excited about playing offense this season?
“Yes. I am always excited about playing offense. My sophomore season is when I changed over to defense. Turns out I am good at defensive end-outside linebacker. But I like playing both sides of the ball, I have been doing so since pee-wee.”
This offseason, have you maxed out in the weight room?
“Yes, sir. My bench was 325 and my squat was 545. My max numbers are from the start of the offseason. My goal is to get bigger and stronger.”
Impressive. Have you been to any national camps this spring?
“Yes. I went to the Under Armour All-American Camp in Dallas.”
How did that camp go?
“It was good. I performed really well.”
Do you have any upcoming camps on your list?
“Yes. I am going to camps at UCO (Central Oklahoma, OSU (Oklahoma State), and OU (Oklahoma) as well. I will camp at Tulsa and Memphis; they both offered me. I plan on adding more camps. We’ll see with our offseason workouts and with schools showing interest in me how that all works out.”
You mentioned the two offers from Memphis and Tulsa, which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Stanford, Harvard, OU, OSU, Baylor, Texas Tech – they came out to see me, and Eastern Michigan.”
Do you plan on visiting any schools separate from the upcoming camps?
“I plan on visiting Tulsa and Memphis but I am not sure when yet.”
When you talk to college coaches, what are they telling you they like about your abilities?
“They like my drive. They like that I am quick, my power, and the weight – they like my drive through the whistle. They like that I give all my effort and get right back to it for the next play. That is what got me the Memphis offer. There was a play against Broken Arrow, I ran down a 4.5 guy and ran past my safety to save a touchdown.”
What is your leadership style?
“I am a voice and someone who sets the tone for the defense. At a team camp today, we play better with energy. In scrimmages, you have your ups and downs. In our camp today, I was focused on keeping us up. I achieve what I do because of my teammates. They come first, a shout out to them. I come second.”
Last question. With the NBA Finals, Warriors verses the Raptors, who ya got?
“I have to go with the Raptors. I am not a Warriors fan. I don’t mess with KD (Kevin Durant) since he left us.”
Nikale, it was a lot of fun doing the interview with you today. I wish you success with your upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Davis family/Westmore HS; Nikale Davis