by Rick Figurin
pigskinpress.com

This football season, there’s a good chance that you and your passionate pigskin pals will talk about the amazing athletic prowess of a certain quarterback, or perhaps the speed and tenacity of a highly touted defensive end. But, there’s one immeasurable attribute that truly stands as the measure of a man.

Heart.

Pigskinpress.com: You haven’t had an easy path in your life; you’ve lost both your father and uncle to violence. That being said, what role has football played in helping you cope with those losses?

Yonus Davis: “It’s helped in keeping me focused and setting a good example for my family. I’ve used it to show people back home in Oakland, where there’s a lot of violence and drugs, that there is a better way. I’ve been playing since I was seven and I really give my mom and grandma credit for pushing me and sticking with me.”

PP: When you arrived at San Jose State, the football program was certainly having a lot of struggles. Did it ever cross your mind to go to a smaller school where you could win right away?

Davis: “No. My (high school) Head Coach John Beem said, “You can make an impact on that program now.” I got to play some and I got a taste of what football was like as a freshman. The first two years we were down, then (Dick) Tomey came in and gave me a chance to show my performance on the field.”

PP: In 2005, you began the season as the starter but later you found yourself on the bench with less and less playing time. Was that a wake up call about what you needed to do as an athlete?

Davis: “Yes, it was a real wake-up call that this is not who I am. I’m a team player; if you put me in a position to make plays I’m going to make them. I’m here to win, and build up this program so we can get more people to San Jose State and show them what we are all about.”

PP: When you have a history of losing, it’s tough to change the mind frame of a team. At what point last season did players start to realize you might have something special going on?

Davis: “As a team we grew collectively. Everyone wanted to get together and help. We had no leadership in ’03, ’04 and ’05. We players have got to lead by example, as coach says. Everyone knows now what it takes to win and gain national attention.”

PP: Explain to our readers the difference between walking around campus when you’re losing, compared to when you’ve started winning?

Davis: “It sucks! Going to class and asking people if they are going to go to the game and they say, “For what? You’re not winning.” In the papers it’s real bad too. But when you win, everyone wants to hop on the boat, and we want to keep that boat going. We’re trying to build a yacht!”

PP: This year you lose James Jones and John Broussard from the offense. Any worries that you will now be the target for opposing defenses?

Davis: “I think I was a target last year even with them. But losing them, we have got to have guys step up, be hungry, and we need to make plays consistently. We’ll be good; we have solid recruits who are young. We’ll have a chance.”

PP: It’s no secret that you’re not the biggest running back in the college ranks. How big of a deal do you think NFL scouts will make of that?

Davis: “I feel that if a player is playing to his ability, then size shouldn’t matter. We push just as much weight as the big guys. Size shouldn’t matter; performance should be an example of what you can do. (Jacksonville Jaguars running back) Maurice Jones-Drew is one of my best friends, and look at what he’s done. It’s the same with Marshawn (Lynch); we played Pop-Warner together. They both get the job done, and are examples of how size shouldn’t matter.”

PP: If you were a recruiter, what would you say to a kid to convince them to choose a WAC school over a PAC-10 school?

Davis: “It depends on the kid and academic issues. Are you having grade problems? Have your SAT’s not gone through? My SAT’s were late, and they (PAC-10 schools) wouldn't even turn around because they had already got another player lined up. But either way, ability will be found and someone will see your talent.”

PP: Ok, let’s pretend I’m an NFL head coach and I’m considering picking you in next year’s NFL draft. Why should I take Yonus Davis over the other Running Backs?

Davis: “I work hard and give 110%. If you give me a task I will finish it. I’m capable of doing the right thing, being a role model for younger people. You have to be a student of the game first, and then the athlete. Without being a student you can’t do it!”

Aside from West Virginia’s Pat White no other active NCAA running back has averaged over 6 yards per carry for the past two consecutive seasons. San Jose State kicks off their season September 1st at Arizona State.