Justin Davis Living Large In Loaded Backfield

One of the many running backs expected to suit up this Fall stands Justin Davis, who takes every accomplishment in stride while battling with his peers on a daily basis. “The running game wasn’t that strong last year,” Davis comments before adding, “Now we have a bunch of talented backs, we are trying to turn the mindset back to ‘SC power football.”

Prominently amongst the super-seven USC recruits, Davis left high school early by taking his talents down the I-5 Freeway. All in the hopes of pursuing major playing time this Fall from the opening snap.

“That was one of the mindsets of why I came in early,” Davis said following his high school career in Stockton, California. “So I can get a jumpstart and hopefully get a rotation in the fall.”

In the meantime, the 6’1″, 215-pound Davis picked up where he left off during spring, when he wowed coaches and teammates by running for 116 yards and a touchdown in 17 carries during the first scrimmage.

Now emerging this fall as a possible starter in the backfield, the talented rusher is totally invested in helping the team win any way possible. “No problem,” Davis says about working in a platoon system. “Whatever it takes to win a game and help the team reach the national championship.”

During the final grind of Fall Camp practices, Davis has looked impressive with the rock while recovering from injury. He officially returned to full participation this past Sunday showing bursts of speed, while running with toughness that surpasses his frame. He also showcased moves that stood out in the first evening practice at the Coliseum.

In the midst of a slew of injuries that have buckled the running back position, Davis prepares to hit the ground running this season. “I am working hard every day. So when they call on me, I am not gonna miss a beat,” Davis said following practice on Tuesday.

Calling his transition “truly ridiculous” starting from high school to a full slate of college classes at just 17, Davis feels this running mates can bring back some swagger to the Trojans’ ground game.”We are trying to make [it] so that any back that goes in can get the same job done as anyone else,” Davis said, before personally adding. “Take it day by day and help out the team anyway I can.”

Davis continues to garner respect on the football field thanks to some helpful words from senior running back Silas Redd, who also began his collegiate career as a spring semester freshman earning his keep at Penn State. “Silas has definitely helped me out a lot, especially in terms of how to adjust in the system and how to run effectively.”

The combination of Silas Redd, Tre Madden, Buck Allen and injured back DJ Morgan should all align with Davis for a promising crop of options to pound the rock. “I expect myself to compete with each other and push my teammates to get to a better level,” Davis says, now eight days away from the opening kickoff to the 2013-2014 season.