Avery Davis: "Making plays for Notre Dame is a dream"

Quarterback Avery Davis found himself in a new role this spring. The 5-foot-11, 203-pounder split time between quarterback, running back and receiver in hopes of providing the Irish offense with big-play potential. 

“I played around with my friends playing backyard football, but nothing serious or in a game,” Davis said of the receiver position. “I knew in week two of the spring they were serious and I was serious. I was excited about the opportunity.

“I like making plays. Wherever I’m at, if I’m making a play, I’m happy.” 

Davis took the red jersey off during practice and quickly found out the game is much different outside of the quarterback position.  

“It’s more of a physical toll on your body,” stated Davis. “You take more hits and have to be more physical. That’s something that comes with being in the weight room. It’s a physical game.

“I feel like I have the hands, but it’s definitely different running a route and catching it. The first couple practices I was dropping stuff, but once I got used to it, I was fine.” 

The other challenge was catching up mentally. Learning one position is tough, but learning bits and pieces of three positions can take a toll. 

“It’s a lot to take in initially, but it helps me understand the offense,” said Davis. “It doesn’t bother me.”

The ability to learn three positions has also helped Davis develop more as a quarterback as it allows him to know little details that can help his backs and receivers. 

“It helps a lot,” Davis said. “I’m looking at the field from a whole different perspective. I’m looking at the defense from a different angle. It’s helped me a bunch at quarterback.” 

It’s also not always easy to embrace being asked to play a different position, but Davis was more than open to it and took a mature view on how he can help the offense in 2018. 

“I knew I could help the team and I didn’t want to be selfish,” explained Davis. “I feel like being on the sideline knowing I could contribute would selfish of me. I didn’t take it as a personal thing, but I took it as an opportunity to get on the field.

“It’s a dream. Making plays for Notre Dame is a dream. I’m always having a good time.”