Rashied Davis: AFL’s Rising Star
Tim Ball
Thursday March 24, 2005
Offensive Specialist Rashied Davis was in the zone against the Grand Rapids Rampage, scoring five times on the night with two kickoff returns, two pass receptions and one rushing touchdown, while amassing 341 yards of all-purpose yardage, 235 yards of which came from kickoff returns. By the end of the night his name was on everyone’s mind and the newest AFL sensation was the topic of every conversation.
Named the AFL’s Offensive Player of the Week for his sensational performance, Davis joins a long list of SaberCats players honored by the league.
After having a pass from Mark Grieb intercepted after he stumbled on a pass route on the second play of the game, Davis took the next opportunity to touch the ball from endzone to endzone as he capitalized on his second return opportunity, 53 yards for San Jose’s first touchdown.
Davis would score the game’s last three touchdowns, while maintaining a performance for magazine covers and message boards alike. While electrifying the crowd from start to finish, the most exciting and important play of the game came at the end of the first half. A first half that witnessed 90 points being put on the scoreboard by both teams.
Back and forth
Grand Rapids came to play the SaberCats down for down and showed no fear of the defending ArenaBowl champions. With an almost perfect first half performance, matching every SaberCats score with one of their own, the Rampage showed the resolve and talent that will soon have them being a top team in the league.
With the Rampage scoring effectively against San Jose and receiving the second half kickoff, things looked bright for the talented team. With just six-seconds left on the clock and San Jose up by only a touchdown, Rampage kicker Peter Martinez needed only kick the ball into the field of play and have the SaberCats run out the clock on the reception and runback.
But, as Martinez struck the football in an obvious attempt to line drive the ball down the turf, he struck the ball just low enough to carry the ball low and fast to the net and into Davis’ waiting hands. Unfortunately on this crucial miss hit, Martinez would hand the ball and the momentum into the capable hands of San Jose’s newest sensation.
In the six seconds that were expected to herald an exciting second half for the Rampage, Grand Rapids witnessed Davis streak down the sideline, cut across the field and showcase what lay ahead for two of the AFL’s most promising franchises.
Experiencing experience
While the SaberCats took over the second half allowing Grand Rapids only one touchdown, Davis continued his excellence, scoring the last three touchdowns of the game on two pass receptions and a one-yard run.
On one of those receptions, Davis took a quick toss from Grieb and ran 43 yards on another memorable play that had the fans on their feet cheering for five minutes.
"I have to say that it was an enjoyable game for me," said Davis just seconds after the game ended. "Every player wants to do well for their team and the fact that we won makes it even more special."
"Rashied is talented guy," said SaberCats head coach Darren Arbet, "I expected a lot from him and he performed well tonight."
While Grand Rapids only has some fine-tuning to get on the winning track and with all of the class of a championship franchise, players who were just minutes before were banging into each other, now talked like only athletes can.
"Davis had one of those games you have to respect," said Bishop. "It’s tough to play a team like San Jose because they know what to do to keep up the intensity when they see you down. And with their offensive specialist doing things like Davis did it makes it even harder."
Continued excellence
ArenaBowl XVIII. Two-Seconds left on the clock, the score 69-62, ball on the five yard-line and every SaberCats fan knows the name of the player who made the final play to secure San Jose’s second championship in three seasons. As AFL legends Sherdrick Bonner and Hunkie Cooper looked to tie the game on a quick pass to the goal line, Davis, the next generation of AFL star, stepped into the limelight by knocking the ball away.
You could see him coming. Though sidetracked in his rookie season in 2003 after playing only four games with a season ending injury, you knew then nothing would stop him from taking his place as one of the AFL’s top players and a SaberCats fan favorite.
As a San Jose State Spartan in 2000 and 2001, Davis played defensive back, wide receiver, and returned kicks. Sound familiar?
Now assigned to the offensive specialist position, Davis showcases his talents for one purpose only-- scoring touchdowns. Though no surprise to SaberCats faithful who have been waiting to see him in this position, Davis is not afraid to let his feelings be known.
"I’m honored that the coaching staff has given me this opportunity," said Davis. "I’m used to playing multiple roles and it’s important for a player to do what’s needed for the team. San Jose has had great players at this position and I look forward to the opportunity. I want to pay back the support I’ve received from fans and my teammates and I’ll do what it takes to make that happen."
Davis did not play organized football until attending West Los Angeles Junior College and knows that ability and desire is one thing but by listening to others you can achieve your goals.
The key to SaberCats football is that the backup player mentality is a thing of the past. Players are honed on the practice field and at inter-squad scrimmages to be experienced when their number is called. "I’ve always loved football and I feel I was blessed with speed and ability," said Davis. "But there’s seventy-five percent me and twenty-five percent my teammates and coaches in what I’ve accomplished so far. There are a lot of talented athletes, but to be successful you have to able to listen and follow the example of others."
"Rashied is still learning in many ways and with his work ethic as well as talent will continue to grow," said offensive coordinator Terry Malley. "We’ve called on him to play many positions and he has dedicated himself to do the work and put in the time it takes to get the results."
A thankful athlete
Recently married in 2004, he and wife Dianna Lilly reside in Santa Clara. "There’s something special about the Bay Area," said Davis. "I love playing for the SaberCats.
There are solid reasons for success and I’m honored to be playing with guys who are not only quality players but also quality individuals."
While signed to the practice squad in 2002 Davis has earned his spot in the starting lineup and realizes for whom and what he plays for. "I like playing football, that’s for sure. But, we play around the country and I get to see fans and organizations from other arenas and I know our success is due in large part to the support from our fans and a great ownership."
Davis realizes that hard work is its own reward, and he is quick to put it all in the right perspective. "When I was on the sidelines waiting for my chance I was always encouraged and I want to give back to our fans and this team the trust they showed in me since day one."
Tim Ball is a writer in the Chicagoland area. Married and father of three, his opinions on Arena Football reflects the positive aspect of the game as a family event second to none in pro sports.
