Western Michigan's Corey Davis talks New Year's Six Bowl Hype, PJ Fleck's dance moves and 'Row The Boat'
As one of the best receivers in the country, Corey Davis spends a lot of time torching secondaries. He spends a lot of time in the end zone, too. But this week, after Western Michigan won its 10th consecutive game, the 6'3", 213-pounder spent some time with Campus Rush. Davis chatted about the Broncos undefeated season, coach PJ Fleck's dance moves and who he looks up to on the football field.
Lindsay Schnell: You guys are undefeated and, right now, the Group of Five favorite to play in a New Year's Six bowl. You're getting a lot of attention and hype. How are you all managing this hoopla and staying focused?
Corey Davis: Pretty much just taking it one day at a time. Just controlling what we can control, just taking it slow. There's a lot of outside noise, but our main focus is us and doing what we can do to improve our team every week.
LS: If you had to explain to an alien what "Row The Boat" means, what would you say?
CD: (laughs) "Row the Boat," it's about accountability and teamwork. It means we want to be going in the same direction, in unison, and if we don't do those things, we won't get to our destination as quickly or as efficiently as possible. It really comes down to teamwork and holding each other accountable.
LS: Your coach, PJ Fleck, is in the media a lot. What's one thing that people don't know about him?
CD: Hmm, I don't think there's anything embarrassing … One thing I would say is that Coach Fleck is a pretty funny guy, a pretty good comedian. He knows how to joke around with us and have fun.
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LS: On a scale of 1-10, how good of a dancer is Fleck?
CD: Zero. He has no skill.
LS: How good of a dancer are you?
CD: Ten.
LS: Who is the best dancer on the team?
CD: I'd say (running back) Leo Ekwoge, No. 33.
LS: Your brother, Titus, was a star at Central Michigan and spent some time on the Jets practice squad. Which one of you is faster, stronger and more athletic?
CD: Oh man, my favorite question (laughs). That's a tough one. He taught me everything I know. You might have to ask him.
LS: What was the most important thing he taught you?
CD: Just to trust in my ability, and give everything to God. Whatever I'm going through, just keep doing what I'm doing and things will be OK on the back end.
LS: Which one of you would make a better QB?
CD: (laughs) Oh, me. He can't throw. At all.
LS: You guys play on a couple Tuesdays, which means you're free on college football Saturdays. What do you do on the weekends for fun? Are there any college football games that you're dying to watch?
CD: I watch pretty much any team, that's all we do. I'll get together with a couple teammates and we'll watch all of college football, any game, because we don't get many opportunities to relax and just watch ball.
LS: What's your favorite gameday snack?
CD: Well, I do like Chipotle a lot. I eat it at least twice a week.
LS: I think a lot of college students eat it more than that, FYI. So the expectation is that you will be just the second MAC receiver ever taken in Round 1 of the NFL Draft, joining former Marshall standout Randy Moss. Is Moss someone you've looked up to?
CD: Oh, of course. In my opinion he's the greatest to ever do it. I always watch his highlights on YouTube. I watched his documentary. He's a phenomenal athlete, a freak of nature. I admire his game so much.
LS: Which receiver did you try to model your game after when you were younger?
CD: Like I said, I watched a lot of Randy Moss. As of late it's been a lot of Brandon Marshall. He's one of my favorite receivers. I like the way he plays, I like his competitive edge. He's physical and when he goes up and gets the ball, that's someone I model my game after.
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LS: I was told I need to ask about your Heisman website because I heard you really like that you have one. That was sarcasm, just so we're clear.
CD: (Laughs) Oh man, I do not like it at all! It's a blessing to be in that conversation but I'm just trying to remain who I am and keep playing ball and be focused on this team.
LS: Do you get teased about the website a lot?
CD: All. The. Time.
LS: Everyone in college football already knows about you. By the end of this season, which other Western Michigan player is going to be a household name?
CD: I feel like Zach (Terrell) is pretty underrated. He's a phenomenal quarterback and an even better person. He doesn't get nearly as much credit as he deserves. He makes my job extremely easy.
LS: It's the month of Thanksgiving. So, what are you grateful for, and what is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
CD: I'm thankful for great health, great teammates, great family. I'm thankful for a lot, to be honest. Waking up every day and getting to do what I love with the guys that I love, with my brothers. That's a blessing in itself. My favorite dish, hmm, that's tough because I love food. I like everything. I'll go with a dessert: Sweet potato pie.
