SaberCats' Rashied Davis Predicts Big Things for 2004
January 14, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2004) -- "I expect to be Ironman...seriously." It's a bold statement for a player to make, especially with only four Arena Football League games under his belt and with six-time Ironman of the Year Barry Wagner already on the roster.
But Rashied Davis is a bold-type of player. Smaller in stature, but fearless on the football field, the second-year veteran from San Jose State has huge expectations for himself entering the 2004 season.
"I feel great. I feel 100 percent," said the SaberCats' wide receiver/defensive back. "I feel like I'm faster than I was last year. I feel like I'm going to do big things this year."
A broken fibula prevented those things from happening to Davis as a rookie in 2003. While establishing himself as a reliable receiver on offense (16 catches, 179 yards, 1 TD) and a stopper on defense (Two INT, 11.5 tackles), Davis suffered the lower leg injury vs. Buffalo last March. He accepted his fate and supported the SaberCats from the stands, but it wasn't a role he ever wants to fill again.
"It hurt because I expected big things from myself in terms of helping the team," Davis explained. "I love supporting the team and cheering them on, but I don't like watching from the outside. I like being in there and when it's time to make a play; I want to be the one to make it."
Davis has made more than his share of big plays in his short football career. The Los Angeles native didn't put the pads on until enrolling at West Los Angeles College in 1998. After transferring to San Jose State, Davis led the Spartans with 785 receiving yards and six touchdowns as a junior â the 11th best season by a receiver in school history. He made the switch to defensive back as a senior, picking off two passes and posting 26 tackles for the year.
Signed by the SaberCats as a free agent in February, 2002, Davis spent most of the season on the practice squad before cracking the 24-man roster last season. A lot has happened to Davis in his brief time as a football player â something he attributes to his willingness to learn and a never-ending quest to improve on and off the field.
"You're always learning in all areas," Davis said. "Once you think you have the game down, that's when you get lost. There are new guys coming in every year. Do you want to be complacent, sit back and be cool with what you have, or do you want to get better every year? One of the biggest things that I believe in is either you get better, or you get worse."
Having several superstars on both sides of the ball and in the locker room has created the optimal learning environment for Davis, an opportunity he takes advantage of constantly.
"We have so many great players that I try to sit back and soak up everything like a sponge and try different techniques," Davis explained. "Every year, I try to steal something from everybody and emulate what they're doing."
The SaberCats' coaching staff has recognized Davis' work ethic and improvement over the past two seasons and feel he's just scratched the surface of what he is capable of accomplishing.
"I think when he came up here originally he was 145 pounds," said San Jose general manager and offensive coordinator, Terry Malley. "Now he is 175 pounds and is just going to get bigger and stronger as time goes on. He's only touched what he can do."
Poised for a big season in 2004, Davis feels he is in the perfect situation to reach his full potential.
"I love being a part of this organization. I tell my friends I got with the right organization at the right time. Being a part of this team has made me a better all-around player and a better person because I've learned a lot."
Celebrating their 10th Anniversary, the San Jose SaberCats kickoff the 2004 season on the road February 5th against the Detroit Fury. The home opener is scheduled for February 28th vs. the Grand Rapids Rampage at HP Pavilion. Individual tickets are available for all SaberCats' home games at all TicketMaster outlets, on-line at www.ticketmaster.com, or in-person at the HP Pavilion at San Jose box office (M-F 9:30am-6:30pm). For season or group ticket information, contact the SaberCats at (408) 573-5577, or on-line at www.sanjosesabercats.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 14, 2004
- Destroyers Single-Game Tickets on Sale January 24 - Columbus Destroyers
- Colorado Crush single game tickets go on sale - Colorado Crush
- SaberCats' Rashied Davis Predicts Big Things for 2004 - San Jose SaberCats
- Rattlers Open 13th Training Camp - Arizona Rattlers
- Georgia Force Single Game Tickets on Sale Friday - Georgia Force
- Elias Sports Bureau Named AFL's Official Statistician - AFL I
- Cobras Open 2004 Mini-Camp, Training Camp - Carolina Cobras
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