The 2020 NFL draft has some big-name linebacker prospects from powerhouse programs, but if your favorite NFL team is looking for the most underrated player at that position in this year’s class, their search should end with Appalachian State’s Akeem Davis-Gaither.
A athletic, versatile defender, Davis-Gaither recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the Senior Bowl, how he’ll answer concerns about his level of competition, and how he’ll look back in his career with the Mountaineers.
JM: What was your experience like at the Senior Bowl?
ADG: I had an awesome experience out there. I really just took things day-by-day. I didn’t really know what to expect. I was the first person in my family to make it down there. I had some teammates at App State that went, we had a running back that went last year but he didn’t get to play in the game due to injury. He was able to give me a little advice about the interviews and what not. For the most part though, it was a brand new experience for me. I went out there with a positive mindset. I was ready to go to work. I went down there and showed them what I’m capable of. It was an awesome experience. I had a chance to meet a bunch of players out there. We’re all working towards the same goal. I got to work with some fantastic NFL coaches and training staffs. It was awesome.
JM: What did you set out to achieve out there? Do you believe that you accomplished your goal?
ADG: I told everybody the same thing all week. My message stayed consistent. I told them in the interview room that I went out there to compete against guys from the biggest schools around the nation. I know that they view App State as a small school. I believe that I showed them that I can play inside the box at my current size. I know they had some doubts about me being able to play inside linebacker and playing in the box in the NFL. My ultimate goal was to quiet those whispers and prove those doubters wrong. I went down to the Senior Bowl and I competed against those guys. I played inside the box with great success.
JM: What do you think is your best position at the next level?
ADG: I’m definitely an inside linebacker.
JM: Is that consistent with the feedback you’ve received?
ADG: They asked me the same question. They wanted to know what position I think I’ll play at the next level. I told them inside linebacker. They thought I was an inside linebacker as well. That’s where I practiced at all week. I think it paid off.
JM: Linebackers have been getting smaller and more athletic for years now, and you certainly fit the bill. You look and play like today’s linebacker.
ADG: For sure. We don’t need to pigeonhole linebackers into a single position anymore. Look at the guy from Clemson, Isaiah Simmons. He’s playing every position on the field! The title of position, I don’t think that really matters anymore. We can play at different spots. It’s all about being versatile nowadays.
JM: Earlier you mentioned that you realize that App State is a smaller school. Did any scouts ask you about the lack of competition? How will you answer those questions throughout this process?
ADG: I had a similar question to that down at the Senior Bowl. They asked me how I felt I measure up with some of these bigger school guys. I told them I’ve had a chip on my shoulder my entire life. I came out as a 2-star recruit. I wasn’t highly recruited. I’ve always played with a chip. I’ve always felt that I belong on the biggest stage. I’ve continued to carry that attitude around with me. I’ve been playing with that attitude for five years now. When I step on that field, I know I belong there. I know I can compete with anybody. That’s basically what I told them.
JM: The NFL Scouting Combine is quickly approaching. Are you looking forward to any drills in particular?
ADG: I’m definitely looking forward to the bench press. I’m eager to show everybody how strong I am. It goes back to the position question a little bit, us linebackers are getting smaller and more athletic but we still need to be strong. I’m just as strong as those other guys. I’m a smaller inside linebacker but I have to show that my functional strength isn’t a weakness.
JM: What’s the best lesson any coach ever taught you?
ADG: My dad is actually a coach. I’ve been receiving those lessons my entire life (laughs). He always told me to be better today than I was yesterday. He’s been drilling that into my head since I was a little boy. I really keep that mindset in everything I do. Whether that’s in football or regular life, I try to keep that same energy. That’s what being a dad is all about. Just take things as they come and be better than yesterday. I try to bring that attitude with me into every drill and practice. I do that when I’m reading books in school. It’s all about being consistent.
JM: Is there one NFL player in particular that you’re looking forward to squaring off with?
ADG: I would love to play against Deshaun Watson. I’ve met him once, we actually played against him during my freshmen year in college. He’s one of my favorite collegiate players of this era. I always wanted to meet him and play against him.
JM: How will you look back on your time at App State?
ADG: Wow. That’s tough. I’ll be able to smile about it at the end of the day. I’ve said that since the first time I stepped onto campus. I enjoyed going through the entire process of college. I enjoyed everything about it. I know in my heart that I never took a day off. I never took a shortcut. That was my goal throughout college. I don’t have any regrets. I played every game like it was my last. I’ll look back at my time at App State with a smile because I know I gave it my all.
[vertical-gallery id=612434]