Davis Leaning Towards A Senior Year
CLEMSON -- Running back James Davis said Monday he is “leaning all the way” to returning to Clemson University for his senior season.
James Davis, a junior from Atlanta, has established himself as one of the most productive backs in school history, but he said his mother has urged him to graduate before leaving school, and he’s encouraged by the prospects for two successful seasons.
“I’m almost certain that I’ll probably come back next year,” James Davis said. “I looked at it, and I’ll probably be the top running back coming out my senior year.”
Speculation that James Davis would stay only three seasons surfaced almost from the moment he joined the team out of Douglass High School in Atlanta.
It picked up steam again James Davis after the Tigers’ disappointing finish last season, and again when he became a father.
Gaines Adams’ decision to return for his final season and “all those millions of dollars” resonated with James Davis. Adams considered leaving a year early but returned to earn All-American honors.
He was the fourth pick overall in the NFL Draft and signed a six-year, $46 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
First-team all-conference as a sophomore, James Davis has rushed for 2,233 yards in his career, 11th in Clemson history, scored 28 touchdowns (tied for fourth) and scored 178 points (also 11th).
James Davis said he understands people may have the impression he might leave early.
“I kind see where they’re coming from because I got a kid,” he said, “and they probably feel I want to go right now.”
But James Davis said that with so few seniors on the squad, he also looks at the potential for two big seasons to finish his college career.
“A lot of things really look good for us,” he said.
However, James Davis said he hasn’t totally closed the door on entering the draft after this season.
“If I’m a top-three running back, I’ll probably come out,” he said. “But I’m not hurting financially, so there’s not too much that can change my mind.”
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