His finest hour


Titus Davis gears up for what could be his best season yet


mediaday_tw_03
Taryn Wattles | Assistant Photo Editor

Titus Davis is set to embark this fall on a defining journey wrapped in immense pressure and placed at the center of the Kelly/Shorts Stadium spotlight.

Central Michigan University’s senior wide receiver and most vocal leader promises to lead the Chippewas both on the field and in the locker room as his team enters its highly prognosticated 2014 campaign.

“The anticipation has been killing me,” Davis said during training camp. “It’s almost surreal. Everyone has been looking forward to this. This group of (seniors) can’t wait to show everyone what we are really made of.”

Davis’ personal statistics during his three years in a maroon and gold jersey have been exceptional. His 2,720 yards receiving and 24 touchdowns are better than any other CMU receiver.

Mid-American Conference experts are expecting major production out of Davis in 2014. One league coach called him a shoe-in for both the Phil Steele and Athlon Sports preseason All-MAC first teams. Most notably, Davis was named to the Biletnikoff Watch List during the summer ­– an award given to the top receiver in college football each year.

Last year Davis orchestrated his best single-season performance. The Wheaton, Ill. senior totaled 1,109 yards receiving, eight touchdowns and a seemingly unstoppable 100.8 yards per game average in 2013. Those numbers earned him CMU football’s hallowed Herb Deromedi Award; an annual designation given to the best CMU football player.

Despite Davis’ talented showing, the Chippewas finished 6-6 in 2013 and failed to qualify for a college bowl game.

The day the season ended, Davis said he has made it a point to take a more prominent leadership role on the team as he prepares for his last shot at a MAC championship.

“There’s only one thing that’s missing,” Davis said of his college football career. “I’ve already exceeded any expectations I’ve had for myself over the years. To put a stamp on my career here with a MAC Championship would be great.”

Whether the Chippewas earn a trip to Ford Field in December or not, head coach Dan Enos said he knows exactly why Davis has embraced a commanding role in the offseason.

“I think he really truly realizes he’s a senior now,” Enos said. “Of all the guys in our league I think he is the one the NFL is looking at the closest. He was talented when he got here. I’ve seen a much more mature attitude out of him as the years have gone on. He’s grown up a lot.”

Enos said he and others on the team have noticed major improvements in the rising star’s performance and attitude.

“He’s been much more serious and focused,” Enos said. “He’s always been that way on the field. But off the field, his grades have gotten drastically better. A lot of things have improved. He’s doing very well.”

Through the ups and downs of a college athletics career, coupled with a social life and superstar stigma, Davis finds his greatest thrill on the gridiron.

“I always tell the guys that every touchdown I’ve caught from little league to last season feels the same,” Davis said. “It’s the greatest feeling. Those are the moments I live for. All of us, really.”

Davis’ raw talent and professional draft stock are evident to even the most seasoned and cynical critics.

CMU’s offensive coordinator Morris Watts has coached at powerhouse programs such as Louisiana State and Kansas during his 40-plus year coaching career. Watts recognizes Davis and CMU are lucky to have each other.

“All the different places I’ve been, I’ve always said Titus could play at any of those schools,” Watts said. “You almost can’t describe it. Some guys just have that quality about them. He’s incredible.”

Enos said the Chippewas look up to Davis for a host of reasons ­– all of which Davis has earned in a growing number of ways.

“Everyday (in practice) we just stand around shaking our heads because of something he did,” Enos said. “One of the biggest reasons I coach is to watch young people develop like Titus has.”

Davis is admittedly one of the biggest CMU football fans on campus. Inspired by former Chippewa and current Pittsburgh Steeler receiver Antonio Brown, Davis is reminded each day of the opportunities that are still very realistically before him.

“I just love the way (Brown) plays the position, man,” Davis said. “His work ethic. He is a complete wide receiver. That’s driven me to be that complete wide receiver. I’ve seen some things that he’s done that I haven’t done so well, so I use that to get better.”

CMU starting quarterback Cooper Rush said he benefits immensely from Davis’ work ethic and newfound, glowingly passionate leadership skills.

“He’s just really smart. He knows how to read a defense,” Rush said. “Having that veteran group, they all know the ins and outs of the offense and they’ve all made big catches. It’s really helpful.”

Davis has already become a major target for both his quarterback and the limelight of CMU Athletics, adding to the ballooning pressure already placed on him.

Yet what might paralyze some players is fuel for Davis to be one of CMU’s most successful competitors.

“I like that kind of pressure … No. I love it,” Davis said. “It just pushes me to keep getting better and better. I’ve still got more work to do.”

Share: 

About Dominick Mastrangelo

Dominick Mastrangelo is the Editor in Chief of Central Michigan Life. Contact him at: editor@cm-life.com 

...

View Posts by Dominick Mastrangelo →