Hawk has quite an experience

Torrey Davis was back in town Monday, going to class as usual at Armwood, a place he says is "another world from where I was last week."

By SCOTT PURKS
Published January 9, 2007

TAMPA - Torrey Davis was back in town Monday, going to class as usual at Armwood, a place he says is "another world from where I was last week."

Last week the defensive lineman was in San Antonio, Texas, preparing for Saturday's U.S. Army All-American Bowl, considered by many the most prestigious prep all-star game.

Davis, along with 77 of the nation's top prep players, flew into San Antonio last Saturday and "went right into a schedule."

For the next seven days at 6:30 a.m. Davis sat with teammates at breakfast, fueling up for an itinerary that was back-to-back-to-back until 10:30 p.m., when it was lights off and players were in bed.

"It wasn't like you went to breakfast and then went back to your room and took a nap," Davis said. "Right after breakfast we were either going to a meeting or a practice or a seminar. I mean it was busy, busy."

By the time the game rolled around Saturday, 1 p.m., Davis said he had received speeches from Army generals, talked with Iraq war heroes and learned about what playing in college might be like.

During the game, many players announced which college they were committing to, something Davis didn't do because he committed to the University of Florida early this season.

Davis, who before the season was rated as Florida's No. 1 overall prospect, added there was no doubt he would sign with the Gators on national signing day, Feb. 6.

As for playing against the top prep players in the nation Saturday, Davis said, "It was really, really hard. Every one of those guys was big and strong and fast. It was like nothing I had ever seen."

Armwood coach Sean Callahan said he flew out late last week to catch the game but also had a chance to soak in a lot of the overall atmosphere.

"The Army puts on such a wonderful show and makes sure all the kids have a fulfilling experience," Callahan said. "It was everything you would dream one of these things could be."

Scott Purks can be reached at purks@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3353.

[Last modified January 8, 2007, 22:18:43]