One of the seniors who has helped make an impact to the Parish Episcopal Panthers' football team over the last two seasons includes safety Dylan Davis. After a couple of successful seasons in the Panthers uniform, Davis has made his commitment to play collegiate football at Ole Miss official by signing his National Letter of Intent. VYPE DFW was able to catch up with Davis regarding his decision in an exclusive interview.
A two-time TAPPS state champion, Davis had no trouble fitting in on the Panthers squad. Always full of life and energy, the safety put all of his effort into not only being a great asset to the team, but also being one of the leaders that others could look to when necessary. With a passion for the sport and the dedication to go far, Davis played an integral role on the Panthers' team during his junior and senior seasons. After signing with Ole Miss football, VYPE DFW interviewed Davis about his time with Parish and what led him to his decision:
The decision to leave home isn't always an easy one. What impacted your decision to choose Ole Miss when considering your college career?
"Ole Miss has always been appealing to me because of the atmosphere, location, and the history of the football program."
What has been your favorite memory with Parish Episcopal?
"My favorite memory as a Panther was definitely winning state this year. We had such a close group of seniors and it made it that much sweeter when holding the trophy."
How long have you been playing football? Who got you into the sport?
"I've been playing football since I could run. My dad had signed me up for little league and I instantly fell in love with the sport and everything that comes with it."
What professional athlete do you look up to and why?
"Growing up playing quarterback led me to idolize Aaron Rodgers. He wasn't highly recruited and had to earn everything he has achieved as a professional. I have always been drawn to that."
What has been your biggest accomplishment in your high school career?
"My biggest accomplishment would have to be the part I played on the football team these last two years at Parish."
As you prepare for the NCAA, what goals do you have?
"A goal of mine heading into college is to find my place on a new team and earn a role where I can contribute and help my team succeed."
Do you have a game day routine that you stick to?
"I follow the same routine every game. I eat the same meal and I have a couple of songs that I have to listen to before each game starts."
What do you do in the offseason to ensure that your skills are sharp for the next season?
"My offseason consists of working out and training, but I'm also competing in lacrosse as well."
What is your mindset going into each new season?
"My mindset going into each season is just trying to learn and improve as much as I can week in and week out."
In your opinion, what has been the secret to your success?
"The secret to my success, I think, is my football IQ. I see the game in ways that not everyone can and it has helped me reach each play from safety."
In your opinion, what has been the secret to your team's success?
"The key to my team's success was the work we put in during the offseason. This was a result of upperclassmen leadership and a brotherhood where we kept each other accountable."
Davis continued to work hard throughout his junior and senior seasons on a dominant Parish Panthers squad. While he prepares for college, he is playing lacrosse for Parish- be sure you catch him in action and keep an eye on him once he puts on a Rebels' jersey.
