Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse defensive end commit Keivonnis Davis visited SU for the first time on an official visit this weekend and came away impressed with the program’s “family feel.”
Davis initially experienced that atmosphere on his first night in Central New York. The Orange coaching staff, accompanied by wives and children, went with Davis and the seven other recruits who were visiting to Dave Busters at Destiny USA on Friday.
Davis got to know SU defensive line coach Tim Daoust, his wife, Jennifer, and his daughter, Leona, among other coaches’ families.
“That family feel right there was one of the first things I felt,” Davis said in a phone interview on Sunday. “Most of the coaches who do have wives, they all invited them.”
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Miami (Fla.) Central High School product toured the new Ensley Athletic Center, looked into academic possibilities and met with current Orange players — including former Miami Central linebacker Oliver Vigille. In addition to Daoust, Davis got to chat 1-on-1 with defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough and head coach Scott Shafer.
Davis said the visit made it clear that he would be comfortable attending SU, but he will continue to explore his options and visit schools.
“It would be a perfect situation for me because I could get out and spread my name beyond Miami,” Davis said. “It would help guide me down the right path.”
Davis said he will take an official visit to Oregon State next weekend and is considering visiting North Carolina State, South Florida and Florida.
N.C. State hired former SU wide receivers coach George McDonald, Davis’ primary recruiter, earlier in January. McDonald showed Davis’ highlight tape to the rest of the N.C. State staff and the Wolfpack soon offered, Davis said.
NCSU defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Dave Huxtable and safeties coach/co-special teams coordinator Clayton White visited Davis recently, he said, and made it clear that he was a priority target.
“They said that they want me, that they need me,” Davis said.
Davis said he was also visited by USF defensive coordinator Tom Allen.
During his trip to Syracuse this weekend, Davis discussed the recruiting process with Wisconsin defensive end commit Jake Pickard, who the Orange is trying to flip.
The two discussed their individual situations as defensive ends currently committed to schools, but also looking at their other options.
“He was telling me that there really is a chance that he may enroll in Syracuse in the fall,” Davis said.
For both, the process may draw out all the way until National Signing Day on Feb. 4.
Contact Stephen Bailey anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-427-2168
Leave a Reply