EXCLUSIVE: Newest Spartan Offensive Weapon 2015 WR Commit Felton Davis III Talks Michigan State, Coaches and New Teammates

Class of 2015 Michigan State commit Brian Lewerke told Spartan Nation Radio two weeks ago: “There’s a receiver who just contacted me this morning. We’re going to start up a relationship and hopefully we’ll be able to get him to Michigan State also.”

Lewerke and the MSU coaching staff have succeeded in bringing that dynamic offensive playmaker to East Lansing. His name is Felton Davis III.

Immediately after visiting East Lansing on July 21, Davis chose to commit to Michigan State over an extensive list of other schools.

Like Lewerke, Davis recently took time to join Hondo S. Carpenter, Sr. on Spartan Nation Radio, discussing his decision, family and football.

Davis received attention from a variety of top programs. MSU, Miami, Nebraska, Virginia and Wisconsin all offered a scholarship to the Highland Springs, Virginia native.

Prior to visiting MSU, Davis had narrowed his list of potential schools to 10. But after his visit, the choice was clear.

“When I first got there, I talked to a few students,” Davis said. “I went down again on Sunday, and talked to them a little bit [again]. It was just the same Michigan State. Then on Monday, I had an official visit scheduled. I talked to the coaches and I talked to T.J [Harrell]. Most of the players were gone: they went home for the week, but T.J. was there. [Keith] Mumphrey was there, too, so I talked to him a little bit.

“It’s just the college town, it’ll be a better fit for me.”

Just as East Lansing feels like the right place for him, Davis is at home in the Michigan State offense.

MSU’s pro-style offense suits Davis well. A balanced attack will allow the 6’3, 180 pound recruit to run free downfield.

“[MSU has] a good running back with a good offensive line, so [the defense] can’t stop everything. When they have to stay in the box, that’s one-on-one coverage, I feel like the run [game] can take away all of my coverage. That’s why I like their offense.”

Attempting to cover Davis with a lone cornerback or safety is seldom a good idea. The youngster has some serious speed. Give Davis space to work with, and he will rack up yards after the catch.

Like every other high school recruit, Davis is not perfect. Fortunately, his weakness is correctable with some hard work in the weight room.

“I want to put on some size. I’m 6’3, I’d like to be 190,” Davis said. “My size and the speed coming in and out of my cuts are the things I’ve been working on a lot this summer.”

If Davis works as hard in the weight room as he does in the classroom, the new Spartan will make strength and conditioning coach Ken Mannie a happy man.

Davis truly believes in the value of an education. He treasures his opportunity to use his scholarship to pursue a degree in civil engineering.

“My parents constantly made me work when I was younger, and it just stuck with me,” Davis said. “That’s why I’m at this point, because they’ve always told me that football doesn’t last, so I’ll have something to fall back on.”

The senior at Highland Springs High School considers himself blessed to have great parents who gave him the love and guidance necessary to reach this point in his life.

“My mom is from a small town in Virginia, and she grew up by herself for 15 years with just my grandma,” Davis began. “My dad is from Virginia, too. He grew up with Reggie White, and played football with him, so I knew Reggie White for a little bit. My dad knows what it takes to get me to where I need to be.

“When I was young, they instilled hard work in me. My mom and dad both worked hard to get what they have now and to give me a nice, stable home. They’re still together. They got what they have with hard work, so they just preach hard work to me now.”

Davis is already working hard to bring aboard the next Spartan dawg. Davis has been talking to fellow Virginian Ricky DeBarry from St. Christopher School in Richmond. The defensive end / linebacker has received a whopping 50 scholarship offers from nearly every big program in the country.

Having a talented recruit from Virginia come to MSU is not unheard-of. Plaxico Burress, a Norfolk native, enjoyed a successful college career at Michigan State and played for 12 seasons in the NFL.

Davis can also follow the example of another Spartan from Virginia, MSU defensive line coach Ron Burton. Like Davis, Burton attended Highland Springs High School. Burton also has a spot on the school’s Wall of Fame.

Should Davis keep working hard, he might just join Burton on the Wall of Fame at Highland Springs, and in the process make a name for himself in East Lansing.