Wando linebacker not forgetting his Pennsylvania roots

Alan Hawes
The Post and Courier

Wando's D.J. Davis

Wando coach Bob Hayes says Warrior linebacker D.J. Davis used a blue-collar work ethic last fall to lead his team with 109 tackles from his middle linebacker position.

"He's intense," Hayes said. "He just comes to play, works hard and leads every day. He played 600 plays last year, and he didn't miss a play. He's one of those kids who can play through an injury. He has that lunch-bucket mentality. He comes in and works hard, and gets the job done. He's developed into a good linebacker."

Davis is a native of Scranton, Pa., an area once known for its blue-collar approach because of its steel and mining industries. He moved to the Lowcountry when he was in middle school, and never forgot his roots.

"They've had some great linebackers from Pennsylvania," Davis said. "You've got the Steelers, the Eagles and the college teams. They're tough. They have some big guys up there."

Davis wants to return to Pennsylvania to play college ball. He hopes to play for Bloomsburg University, which competes at the NCAA Division II level. While he's a talented linebacker, he's developed another skill that could help him reach the next level.

He is the long snapper on the Warriors' punt team.

"He has a knack for it," Hayes said. "He's got some good numbers in terms of being a long snapper. It takes him .7 seconds to snap the ball 14 yards to the punter."

Davis' father, Doug, played defensive end and linebacker at Temple.

"He was my hero when I was growing up," the younger Davis said. "I look up to him."

So Davis was more than willing to listen when his father suggested he should become a long snapper.

"He told me it is an easy way to college football," Davis said. "I just do the drills. I enjoy it. It gives you a different view of the game."

Davis is 6-2 and weighs 206 pounds. It's not his size that makes him good, it's his seek-and-destroy mentality and that he gives his best because younger players are watching.

"The coaches really help out," Davis said.

"They tell you what to do at the right time. You just can't make stupid decisions because it will cost the team. I really want to play and get the job done. And, I want to be a leader — whatever it takes."

Davis also is an accomplished wrestler, and that could come in handy if he ends up at Bloomsburg. The school competes at the Division I level in wrestling.

He was all-region last fall and competed in the 160-pound division at the Class AAAA state meet.

He weighed 183 pounds before the wrestling season started and lost more than 20 pounds.

"You just cut down on what you eat," Davis said. "It takes a lot of dedication. Wrestling is a tough sport and preparing for the season is a challenge."