Sports

Pasco

Darrell Davis, Pasco

By IZZY GOULD
Published August 26, 2005

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Darrell Davis has the hands, height and speed to be remembered as Pasco County's top receiver of 2005.

At the start of preseason camp, the 6-foot-5, 207-pounder was labeled Pasco's primary receiver and a key member of the defensive secondary.

Pasco coach Dale Caparaso has high expectations for the two-sport star.

"He needs to catch every pass that's thrown at him," Caparaso said. "We don't expect him to do anything he is not capable of doing. That's our approach with everyone."

Davis didn't drop a pass last season.

He reeled in 17 balls at an average of 24.1 yards per catch and scored four touchdowns. His first catch last season went for a 43-yard touchdown en route to a 62-6 victory against Hernando.

Davis is taller, strong and faster than most of his opponents.

He has the ability to see clearly through on-the-field traffic, skills he gained as a prolific basketball player.

Division I coaches have have Davis in their sights. He has scholarship offers from Iowa, Wake Forest, N.C. State, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisville, Rutgers, Connecticut, USF, UCF, Ole Miss and Nebraska.

This is his shot to prove he is worthy of the attention.

Davis' was handed one of Pasco's starring roles after senior Dominic Brown - arguably Pasco's top player in 2004 - decided to transfer to a Georgia school for his senior year.

Davis has the ability to become a favorite target of quarterback Tony Smith. Defenders are likely to double up "Double D," and hungry teammates trying to become a Division I coach's next juicy recruit.

"It doesn't make any difference to us if teams focus on Darrell," Caparaso said. "He's going to get his touches. We have enough other players to throw the ball to that will help free up Darrell."

And his progress so far?

"He's doing what we expect him to do," Caparaso said.

[Last modified August 24, 2005, 15:25:11]

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