Combine offers Davis chance to show skills

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BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE

Lincoln Journal Star

Given his father's wealth of NFL playing experience, it makes sense for Josh Davis to ask his dad for advice about how to get into the league.

Josh Davis said he doesn't need to ask dad for advice.

"He just gives it to you anyway," the younger Davis said, adding that he listens intently. "He's got a lot of credibility as far as playing in the NFL goes."

Indeed, the outspoken Tony Davis spent six years in the NFL, playing for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1976-78 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1979-81. A running back and special-teams stalwart, Davis was named the Bengals' most valuable player in 1977.

The younger Davis, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound running back and return man, would welcome a similar NFL career. He'll get a chance to make an impression on NFL coaches and front-office personnel this week when he attends the NFL Scouting Combine, which begins a seven-day run today in Indianapolis.

About 300 players will be measured, timed, poked and prodded, including at least seven Nebraska seniors from the 2003 squad. In addition to Davis, Husker invitees include defensive tackle Ryon Bingham, outside linebacker T.J. Hollowell, defensive end Trevor Johnson, punter Kyle Larson, center Josh Sewell and outside linebacker Demorrio Williams.

During the past six years, 65 percent of combine attendees have been selected in the NFL Draft, held annually in April.

"I feel confident," Davis said. "If I give it my best, there'll be no regrets."

Davis finished his Nebraska career as the school's all-time kickoff return leader with 2,265 yards, breaking the Big 12 Conference record. In 2003, Davis finished as the Huskers' second-leading rusher with 600 yards on 138 carries.

However, Davis' best statistic for combine purposes might be his time in the 40-yard dash. He has sprinted the distance in 4.50 seconds timed electronically and 4.36 seconds timed manually. Gil Brandt, a draft guru for NFL.com, said the combine features a running surface conducive to fast 40 times.

"It's kind of what I'm trying to bank on," Davis said of his speed.

Said Tony Davis, "I think at Nebraska, some things were done to take away his speed. In the last three months, he's done some things to get it back."

What's more, Josh Davis could sell his versatility to NFL teams. After all, he's a hard-nosed running back with good hands, as evidenced by his catching ability as a return man. In addition, he caught 14 passes for 79 yards during his college career.

"I just want to do whatever I can to help a team," Davis said. "It's all about where a team thinks I could fit best."

Davis has hired an agent, who sent a highlight tape of Davis to all 32 NFL teams. Each of the teams will be represented in Indianapolis, making it "the biggest job fair any college prospect could ever imagine having," Brandt said.

"It's really important," Davis said. "If the NFL doesn't work out, I'll weigh my options and decide what's best for me."

Briefly

Although Nebraska senior offensive tackle Dan Vili Waldrop wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, he remains hopeful of playing in the NFL. For now, however, Waldrop concentrates on playing forward for the Husker rugby team. "If the NFL wants to see my toughness, I'll show them my rugby tape," Waldrop said.

Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.