The sixth-year running back from Upland, California, had suffered a severe patellar tendon injury before the start of Washington’s remarkable 2023 season. He hadn’t played in a competitive game since November 26, 2022, when he contributed six carries for 55 yards to help the Huskies secure former coach Kalen DeBoer’s first Apple Cup victory against Washington State.
So, Davis was particularly appreciative of being able to play in Washington’s season-opening win against Weber State on Saturday.
“It meant a lot,” Davis said. “Just thinking about where I was a year ago, on crutches.”
Davis, along with senior cornerback Thaddeus Dixon, offensive coordinator Brennan Carroll, and defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, addressed the media at Husky Stadium on Tuesday. Washington is gearing up to face Eastern Michigan at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, aiming to build on the momentum from their 35-3 win over Weber State.
“It’s a unique opportunity,” Carroll said. “We’re excited to take on this challenge.”
Davis, named a captain for the 2024 season, finished the Weber State game with five carries for 22 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He also made three receptions for 38 yards, including a 32-yard gain where he caught a checkdown pass from quarterback Will Rogers and sprinted down the left sideline.
For Davis, the statistics were secondary. The game provided him a valuable opportunity to readjust to college football, especially with tougher challenges ahead.
“Everything I’m doing right now feels like an accomplishment,” he said. “It felt great to be out there. I’m just thankful.”
Davis also praised the offensive line for their effective blocking and noted that they will continue to improve as the season progresses.
“We have a lot of young guys,” Davis said. “They showed that the stage wasn’t too big for them on Saturday.”
Against Weber State, Washington rotated about seven offensive linemen: starters — left tackle Soane Faasolo, left guard Gaard Memmelaar, center D’Angalo Titialii, right guard Enokk Vimahi, and right tackle Drew Azzopardi — along with sophomore Landen Hatchett and redshirt freshman Kahlee Tafai.
Carroll, who manages the offensive line along with his coordinator responsibilities, expressed confidence in continuing to rotate the unit. He noted his previous experience with rotating offensive lines at Arizona and extensively at Miami with coach Jedd Fisch in the early 2010s.
He also credited senior offensive analyst Michael Switzer, who joined Washington from Arizona where he held a similar role, for creating a “flawless” grading system to evaluate offensive linemen regardless of their number of snaps.
“The guys did great,” Carroll said. “We practiced with the ability to do that.”
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