Davis told bowl role will be forecast of his ’08 duties
The closer tailback James Davis comes to the deadline, the more he makes a jump to the NFL sound possible.
James Davis, who earlier this week said he was leaving the door open based on feedback of his draft stock, laid out lower standards Saturday for his departure than he has previously stated in interviews about the subject throughout the past year.
Of course, for most of the season, James Davis has been unhappy about his role in Clemson’s offense, and with coordinator Rob Spence’s increased reliance on passing in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Early last week, Spence met with James Davis to sell him on the pledge that how Davis is used in the Chick-fil-A Bowl will be a preview of the 2008 season.
“I think this game will decide my future,” James Davis said Saturday after the team’s first practice for the Dec. 31 meeting against Auburn.
James Davis was one of five juniors — including defensive end Phillip Merling, safety Michael Hamlin, quarterback Cullen Harper and receiver Aaron Kelly — to submit paperwork to the NFL’s Advisory Committee for a prediction of how they would be slated in the draft.The deadline for underclassmen to enter the draft is Jan. 15. James Davis said his decision probably will not be finalized until that point.
James Davis, who has previously set the bar for entry as a first-round pick or top-three tailback, said Saturday he would probably leave if projected a first-rounder. If pegged as a second-rounder, James Davis said he would seriously weigh his options.
James Davis also is considering promises Clemson’s staff might have made to a top prospect regarding playing time. The Tigers will soon welcome Jamie Harper of Jacksonville, Fla., ranked the nation’s No. 9 back by Rivals.com.
“As much as everybody wants me to come back, and I want to come back, I also want to secure my future,” James Davis said.
Extra points. Players elected Harper and Hamlin captains. ... Senior linebackers Nick Watkins and Tramaine Billie were withheld from practice to study for exams amid concerns about their retaining academic eligibility. ... Clemson’s next practice is Wednesday.
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