2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Antwan Davis, WR, Ball State University
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Antwan Davis
- Ball State University
- WR
- 5’11”
- 200lbs.
- Hometown: St. John, IN
- Twitter: @_Antwandavis
As an athlete, what is your motivation?
My motivation as an athlete has multiple factors. One of them is to prove myself right and to accomplish what others said I couldn’t. The next factor is my desire to be the best and to always be the hardest worker. The last factor is my family; I want to be able to provide for my family and to give them what I didn’t have growing up.
What defines success for you?
I define success as accomplishing goals and dreams in which I have set. To be able to live up to the standards I set for myself and to be a living testimony. I also see it as being able to have an impact on other people’s lives as well.
What would your teammates say about the type of teammate you are?
My teammates would say that I am a “team-first” player, I am accountable, reliable, I am a leader by example, I am a vocal leader when needed and know how to motivate, I am one of the most hard-working people they have seen, I go the extra mile, I can be counted on for important plays and in tight games, that I am a student of the game, football is my life.
What are some of your personal “rules” that you never break?
Some personal rules I never break is going back on my word, if I say I am going to do something then I am going to do it until it’s done correctly and all the way completed. Another one is the saying I got from my high school coach, “if you are not 15 minutes early, you’re late.” Ever since I heard that I use it and make sure 15 minutes early is the bare minimum amount of minutes I can show up to something important. Another rule I never break is the truth. I am always open and honest about everything and like to be truthful. My last rule I never break is to always go the extra mile; so if I am ever tired or feel like I can’t do anymore, I always find my motivation and push through no matter what.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
Darius Phillips is the toughest player I have competed against. He played at Western Michigan and now is with the Cincinnati Bengals. He had great speed, good coverage, and was a smart player.
Who is the best player in the NFL?
The best player in the NFL is Tom Brady. The reason I say that is not because of all of the great statistics he has and all the championships he has, but because of his work ethic and mindset. To be the age he is and to still play the game as well as he does is amazing. I feel like he always has something to prove and always wants to surpass his best. It’s like he is in competition with himself so whenever he does good, the next time he wants to beat that. He is very smart and is a student of the game. Another aspect that makes him the best is that he pulls guys with him and gets them on board to have that same mindset, and that is why so many players that play with him end up making a name for themselves.
What is your team of choice on Madden, why?
My team choice on Madden is the Baltimore Ravens. The reason behind this being my choice is because I was born in Germantown, Maryland and had lived there until the middle of sixth grade. I like my hometown team and I also love the team and organization as a whole and the players they have. The organization and players as a whole seem to have a very close and family atmosphere and that is what inspired me to like them and play with them on Madden.
Failure is inevitable in life. How do you handle situations that don’t go in your favor?
I handle situations that don’t go in my favor pretty well. I share a close relationship with God and believe in God and his teachings. I think that everything in life happens for a reason. Life is unique because everyone has a different journey. A saying I made up is, “The story was already written. I am just living the book day by day, page by page.” This says it all to me. In life, you might be handed things to you that seem unfair and that are most the times very difficult and very confusing. I like to remain positive and know that after trials and hardship, there are many blessings and good things to follow if you stay obedient and keep your head up. When things don’t go my way I pray about it and let God handle it. I stay as positive as possible and never give up. In life, we are bound to get knocked down, but it’s not how you fall, it’s about how you get up. It’s not about how many times you fall, it’s about how many times you get up. Are you going to fall down four times and get up a fifth? If so, you’ll make it. I’ve learned in life when you get knocked down, if you can look up you can sit up and if you sit up you can stand up. For me, when stuff doesn’t go in my favor I use all of which I have said, I look to God, stay positive, never give up, and keep moving forward.
Is there a current/former NFL player that you model your game after?
This is a very tough question because there are so many great current and former NFL wide receivers that I look up to and study. Each player has there own different strengths and skillsets that they bring to the table and that I model my game from. If I have to choose one person I model my game after it would be Antonio Brown. I say Antonio Brown because he has the whole receiver package. He is fast, quick, elusive, smart, very aware, has great release moves and great routes, has a great idea how to finesse routes to get the most separation, and the aspect I like the most is how hard he works in the offseason. I like to model my game as a receiver off him and his work ethic.
Knowing what you do now, what would you go back and tell yourself as a High-School Freshman?
I would go back and tell myself to focus on the small details more. Although I did, I believe I could have done a better job at that. I would also tell myself to network more and get my name out there. I would perfect my craft and be more detailed in my routes and releases.
What is your go-to restaurant near campus?
My go-to restaurant near campus is Fuji, which is a hibachi grill Japanese restaurant.
If your life was a book, what would its title be?
“The Beauty Beneath the Trials & Tribulations.” The reason I think this title fits my life is that I have been through a lot in my life and after all the hardship I have endured, God has always blessed me and made a way for me to see better days.
What song or artist do you like but rarely admit to liking?
The Chainsmokers – Do You Mean.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with anyone in the world I would choose Muhammad Ali. The reason behind that is because of how great of an athlete he was. Behind that greatness was a man who worked very hard and would always go the extra mile. His mindset was always positive and he always had a bright outlook on life. He was also very religious and a good man. He has a confidence and swagger about him that was contagious. I could get a lot of great wisdom from him and really learn from him.
Forty-years from now, what do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for being the best receiver of all time, being a champion, being a great person and inspiration for the youth and people in general. I also want to be remembered for giving back and being able to raise money for underprivileged people and for different foundations. I want to not only leave a legacy on the field, but off the field as well.
In 15 words or less, why should an NFL team invest in you?
Team first, hard worker, consistent, reliable, accountable, truth worthy, positive, leader, never satisfied, dog mentality.
