Oct. 5, 2004

By Scott Rex
Assistant Sports Information Director

For most casual football observers, the punter is one of the most overlooked players on the field. In most circumstances, the fans only notice him when he does something wrong. In fact, on a lot of teams, the punter is considered an outcast even by his teammates.

Mike Davis is bucking all the stereotypes.

The Leopards' senior punter has proven to be one of the Leopards' most consistent performers this season, making a name for himself through his play on the field.

Davis is averaging 37.4 yards per punt this season, having four downed inside the 10-yard line. He ranks third in the league in punting average, just one-half yard behind the league leader. His 41-yarder that was downed inside the one-yard line set up the go-ahead touchdown at Georgetown on Sept. 11.

"Mike is a three-year starter who has been through a lot," said head coach Frank Tavani. "He provides experience in what is probably the most critical part of the special teams unit. The key to a successful punt is a good, quick snap and punt, and Mike is as quick as anyone in terms of getting his kicks off.

"Mike has had a solid career. He's as good as any punter in the Patriot League," Tavani added.

While he will earn his fourth varsity letter at the conclusion of this season, Davis' football career almost never came to be.

"I had played soccer all my life, but when I got to high school I played football because all my friends did," Davis said. "I was the kicker and punter in high school. I played a little receiver on the scout team, but I've always been a kicker."

Given his specialization, Davis has been able to hone his craft and become a weapon for the Leopards.

"Mike doesn't just kick the ball. He's able to place it in a certain area of the field if we ask him to," Tavani said. "What we ask him to do is like taking a nine iron and placing a golf ball on the left side of the green to have a better putt. It's certainly not easy, but he's able to consistently do it for us."

Even on a busy Saturday, Davis will step on the field for fewer than 10 plays. Nevertheless, he is always into the game and, as an upperclassman, has even assumed a leadership role.

"I'm always into the game. I'm our biggest fan," Davis said. "I just have to make every time out there count and get the most out of each punt."

"Mike does a lot on his own during practice, as far as getting his work in," Tavani said. "That takes a certain level of maturity and the guys respect the fact that, when called upon, he does his job."

That level of maturity has resulted in Davis, along with his teammates, staying level-headed about the Leopards' early-season success. The season's first month was highlighted by a 21-16 win at Richmond, a full-scholarship school in the Atlantic 10.

"Our motto of `One Goal at a Time' says it all," Davis said. "We had a big win at Richmond but now we have to move on. We just need to take each game as it comes."