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USF visit impresses Pirates recruit

Darrell Davis says the Bulls are one of his top three choices after watching them stun Louisville. But he awaits his real favorite, FSU.

By FRANK PASTOR
Published September 27, 2005

DADE CITY - Pasco standout Darrell Davis said he has narrowed his list of college choices to three after an unofficial visit to South Florida this past weekend.

Davis, a senior wide receiver and defensive back with height, speed and good hands, said he is considering USF, North Carolina State and Florida State.

"Those are my real top three if anybody asked me, I would tell them," Davis said. "Other than that, no one really else would be in the top three right now, unless something drastically changes."

The 6-foot-5, 200-pound Davis leads the county in receptions (16) and is second in receiving yards (312) after four games.

USF offered a scholarship after Pasco's 34-7 loss to Springstead on Aug.26, and N.C. State made an offer this past weekend.

But Davis holds out hope for a chance at Florida State, his favorite team since childhood. He has talked with quarterbacks coach Daryl Dickey but has yet to receive an offer.

"There's not a high demand for receivers," Davis said. "They're recruiting me for defense right now."

Davis also received offers from South Carolina, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Central Florida and North Carolina. He said he likes South Carolina, but "not as much as the others."

USF was one of the first schools to express serious interest, Davis said. His interest in the Bulls increased when he spoke with coach Jim Leavitt and receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey before USF's 45-14 rout of then-No.9 Louisville Saturday at Raymond James Stadium.

Davis said that of about 20 or 30 high school players at the game, he was the only one invited to walk on the field.

"I was impressed with everything, really," Davis said. "I was impressed with the way they handled Louisville. They dominated, really. I was surprised."

Though Davis has a USF connection in former Pasco receiver Johnny Peyton, who has helped guide him through the recruiting process, Davis said Peyton has not pressured him to sign with the Bulls.

"I talked to Johnny last weekend; he's like a mentor," Davis said. "He tells me, "Make your own decisions,' stuff like that. He doesn't just talk good about USF to get me to go there."

N.C. State receivers coach Dwayne Dixon made his pitch over the phone after Davis took the SAT this past weekend. Davis expects an offer to arrive in the mail within the next few days.

Davis likes the style and personality of the Wolfpack coaches, who offered him the chance to play early, but said he is far from ready to make a decision.

"USF, they moved up my list with the win this weekend," Davis said. "My heart is with Florida State, but I'm going to give it some more time."

[Last modified September 27, 2005, 02:45:31]