083010 RON CHERUBINI ::: One-on-One Interview with Dominique Davis [fb]

One-on-One with the Pirates
Monday, August 30, 2010

By Ron Cherubini

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Dominique Davis

For almost a year now, the name Dominique Davis and the future of East Carolina’s offense have been linked. Through his initial commitment, to his decision not to enroll in school in January after the former Pirates coaching staff vacated, to his arrival as a more-than-interested observer of spring practice, Davis has been discussed as the lynchpin in sustaining ECU’s success. Touting a resume that includes starting at Boston College as a true freshman and leading the Eagles to the ACC Championship game, spearheading his JUCO team to the national championship game, and being atop many programs’ wish list a year ago, Davis has demonstrated time and again that he is a talent at his position. That he is in a down-to-the-wire battle for the starting job is a testament to his talents, considering he has only been able to practice four weeks. Some expect that he will be the starter, but sophomore Brad Wornick is making it a true QB battle. Will the Davis era begin this year? It is not known at the moment, but one thing is for sure: He is talented and can lead this team.

Dominique was kind enough to sit down for a chat with Bonesville to share his insights on the upcoming season.

Q: When we last spoke before you came into camp, you noted that a quarterback needs to be a leader and you were concerned about how you might establish that with new teammates in such a short time. Coach Ruffin McNeill has stated that they love your leadership. How did you establish it so quickly?

A: I didn’t really come in here saying “do this” or “do that” or “listen to me,” I just came in and tried to do my job the best I can. These are talented football players and that is what earns leadership with guys like that Everybody can see that I can do my job pretty good, so maybe then they listen to me more when I have something to say. That is what I am focused on right now.

Q: When you hear Lincoln Riley talk about the need for you to work on your leadership decision-making the football (loves athleticism and leadership), what are you reactions?

A: Basically, Coach Riley expects me to do my job. Just focus on the little things and make the throws that I have been making forever… each time. I ran almost this same offense in high school so I feel like I am getting back into this and have really gotten it down now. It is a very fun offense to run because we have such great athletes here in this offense.

Q: You mentioned the talented athletes at your disposal. Talk about the weapons ECU has in the offense?

A: Lance Lewis is a big deep threat and if you get the ball out over him, he is going to go get. You got (Dayon) Arrington, he’ll get you those tough yards you need for that first down. Mike Price, who is probably the fastest receiver we have, he makes great plays. Michael Bowman, also very fast, and a guy (that) creates plays once he has the ball. Jeremy Davis, an inside guy, who is good. Of course, then we have Dwayne Harris... well, everyone knows Dwayne… he’s Dwayne Harris... enough said. Justin Jones – man, he’s a 6-8 receiver – we get down near goalline, he is a quarterback’s best friend there. You got Darryl Freeney, probably the best route runner out of all the receivers and he makes great plays. Joe Womack… another Freeney coming up. Andrew Bodenheimer is tough and also a route runner who gets the sticks. So, really, we have 10 guys who all can make plays. And our backs are great too.

Q: You stepped out of top collegiate level football for a season. Talk about your thoughts on getting back into the highest level of football again.

A: It is very exciting, yes, but I really can’t think about that too much. I haven’t won the job so I need to focus on getting myself better at doing my job so I can help the guys around me and this team.

A: Jonathon Williams. You know, I heard so much about his past and him staying in trouble and also about how much talent he has and potential to make it to the next level. And then I meet him and he is so focused, a leader, and probably the most athletic player on this whole team. Totally different then what I had heard. So, right now, seeing what he has made of himself, he has my utmost respect.

Q: If the opening game was tomorrow and you found out today that you are the starter, would you be ready to lead this team on the field?

A: I have been ready since after the second scrimmage. I found my rhythm and now I am gaining the consistency needed. If Coach Riley called me today and named me the starter, I would be ready… definitely.