Avery Davis: The Ultimate Team Player for Notre Dame
If there is ever a photo beside the definition of a team player, the spot will be taken by Avery Davis.
The senior receiver arrived in South Bend in 2017 as a quarterback, but was then moved to running back and receiver following his freshman season. Last spring, Davis worked at cornerback before moving back to running back.
In some cases, a position switch likely means things aren’t working out for the player, but in Davis’ case, it was being a team player and sacrificing to fill team needs because of recruiting misses or injury.
Davis won’t tell you of his frustrations and that’s a credit to him. The Texas native has kept a positive attitude and has given advice to those going through a position change.
"I know transitions can be tough, especially in this sport,” Davis stated. “I don't think people realize how demanding and different it is seeing the game from so many different perspectives.
"I try to tell them to really keep their head up. You're going to have days where you're going to struggle. Everything isn't going to click overnight. It's a process and you have to take each day as a new day."
The 5-foot-11, 202-pounder has found a home in the slot and has locked down the starting role in 2020.
Davis is now focused on helping the receiver unit become a more productive unit as Notre Dame gets into a crucial stretch in the season.
“We're just optimistic for every opportunity we get,” Davis said of the receivers. “We realize we have a really, really good offensive line. We have really good backs and we have a really good receiver corps. We're confident and whenever our opportunities come, we're going to capitalize on them."
Notre Dame will need its receivers to step up this week as they will face a rugged Pitt defense that will stack the box and leave its defensive backs on islands.
Davis also believes the Irish offense has moved on from last weekend’s showing as Notre Dame scored just 12 points against Louisville.
“We have to prepare this week and have a solid couple days of practice,” explained Davis. “We're going to go out there and compete. I'm not worried about what happened last week. We're confident and sticking to our process. We're going to go out there and have a good game."
The road trip to Heinz Field will be the first of the season for Notre Dame. Head coach Brian Kelly laid out of the extensive changes to the travel schedule earlier this week and Davis is confident the entire year has prepared the Irish for this weekend.
"It definitely will be different, but I think we can all attest this whole year has been really weird and different,” stated Davis. “We've been prepared for that coming into this season. We've faced adversity and I don't think it will be too much of a challenge."
And yes, Davis says he’ll be ready to take snaps at quarterback if there was ever a need in this wild year.
"I haven't taken any reps, but I'm always prepared,” said Davis. “That was the position I grew up playing and I love the position. I'll always be prepared if that was ever to happen."