Getting to Know: Keivonnis Davis
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To add depth to the future of the pass rush, Florida pursued defensive end Keivonnis Davis during the final few months of the 2015 recruiting cycle.
On National Signing Day on Feb. 4, he flipped his commitment from Oregon State to the Gators following his official visit to Gainesville the weekend prior. A 6-foot-4, 225-pound two-star defensive end out of Miami Central High School, Davis graduated on May 28 and is set to enroll at UF starting the Summer B semester in late June.
Inside the Gators caught up with Davis for the latest segment of our "Getting to Know" series for the incoming 2015 freshmen signees.
What led to your decision to attend the University of Florida?
Davis: I can give you many reasons, but the main reason was for me to be a part of an organization such as the Florida Gators and playing in a big-time conference that will prepare me for the next level - not only on the field, but off the field, too. There are all types of networking at Florida and big-time businesses. It all just worked out for me. Staying in Florida, I've still got my family here.
What was your favorite part of your recruitment process?
Davis: I'd say the most fun was going on the visits. My mom couldn't attend a trip with me, but I made the best of the trips myself. I'm talking about countless times getting on the planes, meeting new people and hanging out with football teams. It was exciting, very big experience.
What was your least favorite part of your recruitment process?
Davis: I'd probably say the long flights. I'm talking about long flights, sitting there by myself. It was probably because I went by myself. And you know how intense it gets toward those couple of days and couple of hours before signing day. Just all the confusion that came with it. Everyone wanted to say something and not ask me what I really want. It was kind of frustrating. Makes you not want to pick up your phone. Everybody wants to call up your phone and say, "Do this and do that."
How do the coaches envision your role on the team moving forward?
Davis: Right now, it's just a situational package guy that can come in and rush the passer. Most of the time I'm going to be rushing the passer.
What aspects of your game are you aiming to polish this summer and fall?
Davis: I know I most definitely got to be a gym rat, because it's the SEC. I've got to put on a couple more pounds and compete with these guys.
What would you say is your greatest strength as a football player?
Davis: My greatest strength, we all balled in high school. Skill-wise and talent-wise, it was just out the roof. But it's just communicating, being coachable and hyping others up to make plays and things of that nature.
What have your interactions with Jim McElwain been like so far? What about him drove you to stay firm to your commitment to Florida?
Davis: Coach Mac is like an energizer bunny. He's excited to have me at Florida, an organization that can coach me. All the coaches are on the same page. It's just a great position for me.
What about linebackers coach Randy Shannon?
Davis: Oh, Shannon's my man. Shannon is one of the coaches I kept reaching out to a lot during that final week of my recruitment. It was really good. Even when he was at Arkansas, he would come down to the school and we would chop it up.
Obviously defensive line coach Chris Rumph joined the staff after you had committed, but what have your interactions been like with him?
Davis: He's a great guy, a great coach, great mentor for the young men at Florida. He told me he's been coaching for 15 years, and I really couldn't believe it.
Have you decided on a college major yet?
Davis: I'm deciding between family, youth and community sciences and business.
If you could play any team at home in the Swamp who would it be?
Davis: Even though we play them this season and they come to us, I can't wait to play Florida State. A lot of former guys that I've played with are over there too. It's going to be really fun and very competitive.
Do you have any superstitions or rituals in your personal life for before a game?
Davis: We'd all listen to music, but sometimes I'd go watch the old clip of the "Year of the Bull" documentary. It just shows why I'm really here and what's my purpose for me being on this team. Just watching that movie, it motivates and drives me.
Which NFL team is your favorite?
Davis: I've got multiple favorite teams. San Fran, they've got my guy Aldon Smith over there. Denver, they've got Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and Shane Ray.
If you were to eventually become a first-round NFL draft choice, what is the first thing you would buy?
Davis: I'd probably buy a house on the hill for my mom.
If you could play with any former college athlete, who would it be and why?
Davis: It would be J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, because you can't go wrong with either or.
What's your favorite genre of music to listen to? Any artists in particular you like?
Davis: Rap, but inspirational, motivational rap. Young Jeezy is my favorite.
What is your favorite TV show?
Davis: "A Football Life."
What is your favorite movie?
Davis: "Alex Cross."
Which celebrity would you most want to trade places with for one day?
Davis: I'd have to say Rick Ross, because I'm down with MMG.
If you had your choice of anyone on the planet, who would you go out with for one dream date?
Davis: Taraji P. Henson.
What's your favorite meal?
Davis: I'd go with Chick-fil-A.
What is on your bucket list? Name three things you want to do before dying.
Davis: Most definitely, I want to be able to have that chance to take care of my family. I want to be that one to take them around the world and let them experience those things. I definitely want to travel some more, even though I traveled a lot during that recruitment process. Last but not least, I want to be remembered as that guy that came back and helped the community.