If your favorite NFL team is looking for a well-rounded wide receiver prospect who can do it all, Texas A&M’s Quartney Davis is up for the challenge.
A complete pass-catcher who became the top target for the Aggies in 2019, Davis recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his decision to make the early jump from the college ranks, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: What can you tell me about your decision to forego your remaining eligibility and enter the 2020 NFL draft?
QD: I felt like it was the right decision for me to make. I’m very confident in that decision. With my play style and the position that I’m in right now, I know that I’m ready for the next level. I have a daughter and I’m ready to take care of my family.
JM: You really became “the guy” in the Texas A&M offense this past season, following the departure of Christian Kirk. What would you say is the biggest area that you grew in this past season?
QD: I had to understand that I had to be the best version of myself. That’s what happened for me this past season. I came to that understanding. It’s not always about living up to other people’s expectations. You can’t fill your head up with that negative energy. I just needed to understand the things that I needed to do. I put myself in a good head space. It was about accomplishing the things that I had set out for myself. It was more mental than anything. I had to trust the training, the practices and the coaching staff. I put all of that together and just went out there and had fun.
JM: You decided not to fully participate in the NFL Scouting Combine, despite being healthy. Why did you make that decision?
QD: I didn’t have any injuries at the combine. I just felt more comfortable with the atmosphere at my pro day. That’s why I made that decision. I’m fully healthy. I actually haven’t had an injury in a long time, thank God.
JM: What was your experience like at the combine?
QD: It was awesome. It was a childhood dream that I got to live out. I still remember when I got the invite. It was early in the morning and I was getting ready to head over to Exos for a day of training. The combine invite was just sitting right there in my email. I immediately became extremely excited. I thought about it every single day after that. When I got there, I enjoyed everything that came with it. There’s a lot that goes on out there but it was a great feeling. I enjoyed every second of the experience. It feels like an accomplishment. I waited my entire life for that. It was an honor.
JM: Did you have many formal or informal interviews out there?
QD: I had a ton of them. I actually had more formals at the Senior Bowl than I did at the combine. I had a ton of informals at the combine.
JM: Including the Senior Bowl, who are some of the teams that you’ve met with formally throughout this process?
QD: I’ve met with the Bills, Ravens, Titans and Steelers, just to name a few. I actually spoke to the Titans’ general manager and some of their position coaches. I can’t remember if that was a formal or informal though. I’m trying to remember some of the others. I met with so many teams in a row, it’s kinda hard to remember any more than that. Those are the ones that come to mind right now.
JM: The COVID-19 virus has obviously impacted your pre-draft schedule, but were you able to get in any private visits or workouts before the shutdown went into effect?
QD: I actually met with the Arizona Cardinals before things really came to a halt. We had a nice meeting. We did a small, minor workout. It was more of a meeting that allowed them the opportunity to get to know me. They showed me some of the things that they do in their offense with their wide receivers. It was more of an individual thing. They appreciate the way that I move and play the position. I had a few others that were in the process of being scheduled when everything got shut down. We didn’t have any other meetings officially on my calendar but we were having those discussions when the virus really shut everything down.
JM: How do you describe the way that you play the wide receiver position?
QD: I love route running. I try to be a creative route runner. I try to understand leverages and learn different releases to combat press. I like to be physical. I like to use my speed and quickness.
JM: Do you attack a smaller cornerback differently than you do a bigger one?
QD: I don’t really look at size to be honest. When it comes to playing against my opponent, I try to understand his technique more than anything. That’s what dictates it for me. I try to understand what he’s trying to take away from me. I’m well aware of the things that I’m trying to do against him. It’s more about technique and play style than it is about size.
JM: Who are some of the best cornerbacks you’ve ever gone up against?
QD: A.J. Terrell from Clemson definitely comes to mind. Trevon Diggs from Albama was another one. Both of those LSU corners were good ones, Derek Stingley Jr. and Kristian Fulton. I played against Trayvon Mullen last season. I played against better corners in 2018 than 2019 to be honest. Lonnie Johnson Jr. was another one. Rashad Fenton from South Carolina, he’s with the Chiefs now. He was good. I went against a bunch of tough corners in 2018.
JM: What kind of guy is Quartney Davis going to be at the next level?
QD: I’m gonna be a consistent guy. I’m gonna work hard and bring energy to the locker room. I’m excited for what’s next. I’m gonna put on a show for our fans. I appreciate everybody that comes to the games to watch us play. I’m trying to build a great name for my family, my team and myself.
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