On a line that led the Bryant Hornets to a 9-2-1 record and almost 3,000 yards of offense, Cameron Davis was the anchor, the blind-side tackle; the guy that the Hornets ran behind (along with left guard Caleb McElyea) when they absolutely, positively had to have it. Widely recruited, Davis was named all-State and all-Arkansas Prep.
According to the Arkansas State athletic website, Davis was listed as a 3-star recruit by Scout and 247Sports. He was rated as the No. 3 offensive tackle in the state, 50th best in the South region and No. 165 offensive tackle in the nation by Scout and as the No. 18 overall player in the state and No. 137 offensive tackle in the nation by 247Sports.
And, though some high profile schools got in the mix late, he officially signed with the first school that showed serious interest. On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Davis, the son of Stephanie Griffin and Isaac Davis, inked a national letter of intent to play Division I football and continue his education at Arkansas State University.
Of course, when you’re dad was an all-American and all-SEC player at the University of Arkansas and played for six years in the National Football League including the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX, more than a few folks might have expected as much or more.
But, as most sports fans know, genes don’t make it automatic.
“He was determined,” noted Bryant head coach Paul Calley. “He knew where he came from. He knew what people expected from him. He tried to live up to those expectations. His dad was ultra successful. He wants to follow in his dad’s footsteps and I think that’s what pushed him.”
“It’s never been a pressure,” Cameron Davis said, adding of his dad. “When I moved up here, it was his goal to mature me and get me ready for where I am today. Not once did I ever feel pressure from him. He’s guided me and has been a big part in getting me in shape and getting my technique down. He told me, ‘I’m going to get you a scholarship’ and that’s exactly what he did. He was my mentor.”
“Cameron has unlimited potential,” Calley added. “He can accomplish whatever he wants to, play in the League one day if that’s what he chooses to do. His length, his athleticism are tools that you can’t coach. They’re God-given. I think Coach (Glen) Elarbee at ASU is the best fit for him. I think he’s going to get the best out of him. He’ll be able to contribute immediately.
“He’s still got a little ways to go but he’s so much better right now than he was in 10th grade,” the coach continued. “He was twice as good this year as he was his junior year. He was a lot more dominant. He understood the game. He knew what we were trying to do. He was unselfish. He’s a team player. And that’s what it’s going to take for him to be successful.”
“Really, it was between A-State and Memphis,” Davis related. “Those were my top schools really. I had other offers but nothing compared to Jonesboro when I went up there. How they treated me, the teammates, everything was what I wanted it to be.
“They want me to come in and give them some help with the offensive line,” he said. “Me and a player from Missouri that signed today as well, we’re going to go up there and have a good four years together.”
“I think he had 10 offers,” Calley said. “I’m very proud that he chose to stay in the state of Arkansas — for selfish reasons because he’s close enough I get to see him play. But also, he committed to Arkansas State and he stood firm with his commitment. I’m proud of his character. I’m proud of the future that he has before him. He can help Arkansas State next season. I know Coach Elarbee feels like he can step right in. If he’s not starting, he’s definitely going to add depth and get lots of playing time.”
ASU first got in touch with Davis during the spring of his junior year and extended an offer.
“Man, it was a new process for me,” he said. “Coach (Trooper) Taylor actually came and, at first, when I went up there in the summertime, I was kind of knocked off a little bit because I wasn’t used to the recruiting process. But what I liked about it is, they kept showing that they cared. Finally, I committed during Homecoming. Ever since then, it’s been like we’re family. They call me every other night. I can’t wait to get up there.”
Edwina Pennington
So proud of you Cameron!!!