Interview: 4-Star 2022 Arkansas DL/DE Nicholas Davillier is Prepared for Another Standout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Mixed into the standout 8-3 season in 2019 for Maumelle High School was the rise of defensive tackle/end Nicholas “Nico” Davillier. Davillier had a breakthrough campaign earning All-Conference honors after colliding against 5A Arkansas offensive linemen. The offseason has been all about growth for the 6-5, 260-pound, talent, and in more ways than one. The recruiting world has caught onto how he can influence a game earning four-star recruiting status with nine offers from Power 5 teams resting comfortably on the table.
Ahead of another big season on the gridiron, Davillier took a break from the Hornets’ fall camp to update us on his offseason workouts and growing recruiting options.
Interview
Nico, the Hornets defense was tough last season holding teams to 19 points per game on average. What was working so well for you guys as a unit making it tough for teams to move the ball on you?
Our defensive line, we had one of the best lines and defenses in Arkansas. We play and work hard as a team every day in practice.
You guys were running a four-man front with you on the interior. What were your responsibilities within the Hornets’ scheme in 2019?
Clog up the gap. If the team was running the ball, make as many tackles as we can.
Playing against Arkansas 5A linemen, how did your game improve overall a year ago?
At the beginning of the season I was not getting off as fast as I can, I improved on that as the season went on. Last year I improved my moves, finishing on plays, and on not taking plays off.
Since the season ended what have you been working on with your technique?
This offseason I have been working on more moves, get faster, bigger, stronger, and my footwork.
What type of workouts have you been doing to add power and strength to your game?
One of my workouts is working the agility ladder. I have also been going up against one of my good friends, (4-Star 2022 OL) Andrew Chamblee, he is helping me get past offensive linemen. I have been lifting more weights, running on the treadmill, and running with a parachute.
A minute ago, you mentioned working on your moves. What moves are you working on that you plan on using this season?
My spin, swim, working a lot on ripping, and going inside.
As mentioned, you were in the interior of the Hornets’ four-man front last season, once the new season gets going are you taking on any new roles?
Yes. This season I am playing more defensive end.
Have you guys already started fall camp?
Yes. We started getting in pads on Monday, that was our first day.
How has everything been going with the pads on for you guys?
Good. We are getting better every day.
How is the team looking?
We will be state champs if we keep working the way we are. We will be state champions if we keep working hard.
I like it. When is your first game of the 2020 season?
As of right now, we play Ozark on the 21st of August.
Wow. Just a week away.
Yes, sir.
As you head into your junior season, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, and there are more that I cannot think of right now.
You’ve racked up a whole lot of offers in a hurry, how many do you have now?
Nine.
Which team was the last to offer?
Mississippi State was my most recent offer.
Davillier’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi State, Missouri, Penn State, Purdue, and Tennessee
Looking ahead, are there any visits you’d like to take once the campuses open back up?
Yes. I’d like to take visits to all the colleges that have offered me so far.
Nico, it was great learning more about you and your game today. Thanks for your time, and wishing you guys a successful 2020 season until we talk again.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Davillier family; Nicholas Davillier