Player Primer: Kriston Davis
After an impressive showing at the EdgyTim/EFT Underclass showcase I had a chance to catch up with Belleville West’s 2018 RB/S Kriston Davis on his recruiting. We talked becoming a vocal leader on the field, schools showing serious interest in him and how his volunteer work in the community has shaped him as an athlete and a person.
You can find Kriston on Twitter @Kriston_Davis5 .
Kriston Davis
Belleville West
Belleville, IL
Wt: 180 lbs
Class: 2018
Commitment status: Undecided
LPI: You guys had a productive season making the playoffs after a 5-4 regular season, but lost to a good Normal team in the 1st round of the playoffs. Now that your season is over, what are you going to do to take your game to the next level?
KD: That was a very tough loss. We fought hard and to lose by 2 points left a bad taste in my mouth and did nothing but make me want to get better. I took a week off and I have been working hard since then I’ve been in the lab grinding so that I can elevate my game to the next level.
LPI: Do you consider yourself a leader? How do you show leadership on or off the field?
KD: I have had to become a leader. Initially I thought I could lead by just my play on the field, but I realized if I wanted to elevate others I had to become more vocal. I tell my guys to work now. There is no off season. I have been hitting the books extra hard so I can be a leader in the classroom as well. My uncle always says in order to be a great leader you have to learn how to follow and it has helped me so much in getting my messages across to the guys. I do leadership conferences for other youth in my church as well. That foundation is what shapes me and helps me lead by example.
LPI: You currently don’t have any offers, but are hungry to prove to schools you can play at the next level. What are your greatest strengths or what can you bring to the table for a college football program?
KD: After my injury that ended my Sophomore season after two games, I think it hurt my recruiting. My determination and football IQ!!! I’m out to prove that what you see on the field is only a small part of what I will be!! I can be placed anywhere on the field and the other team must account for me. I run hard and fast at all times. My goal is to make every play productive no matter what!!!
LPI: Offer or not, which schools have you kept in contact with the most? Or which schools have shown interest in you?
KD: I have been in contact with Purdue, University of Indiana and University of Illinois. I’ve seen some interest from Tennessee Martin and University of Texas at San Antonio, Northern Illinois University, Miami of Ohio and Minnesota.
LPI: Where have you visited most recently and do you have any visits coming up?
KD: I went to Purdue, University of Indiana and Illinois. Currently I’m waiting to see who invites me to their Junior Day and I will go to see them then.
LPI: You guys have a talented team with yourself, Logan Betz and Paris Johnson receiving some recruiting attention. Who are some of your other teammates that you believe have a chance to play at the next level, but may be getting overlooked by college coaches?
KD:
Jack Lanxon: One of our biggest play makers that many people overlook. Jack was a three year starter at Safety and All Conference each of those years. I think he can play anywhere. I think some coaches definitely need to take a strong look at him.
Sherond Boyd: Another guy that I’m anxious to get back out there with us. A knee injury cut his season short and he was just about to make some huge noise at OLB and RB but I know he will be back bigger and stronger next year.
Isreal Grifin: One of the big pieces to my success this year was my offensive line which was anchored by my big guy Israel. He’s definitely someone that you should look at to play at the next level.