Senior Signing Spotlight: Izaiah Davis

This is the 25th in a month-long series of profiles of Arizona high school seniors that signed with four-year colleges. Here's the full list (currently totaling 301) of players from within the state moving on to the next level.

SPOTLIGHT: 3/7/20

Over the past month, we've looked at many seniors from across the state that signed with Division I (FBS and FCS), Division II, Division III, and NAIA schools. But, that's not the only road to get to where you want to go.

For Izaiah Davis, that route will begin at Bakersfield College, a junior college located in the Central Valley of California.

The 6-foot, 190-pound running back at Sahuaro had a couple of Division II offers and one in-state NAIA one that were partial scholarships. While Davis is appreciative of those schools, he did take the financial part of recruiting into account, and it ultimately came down to the best fit and the best opportunity.

"Growing up, I always envisioned myself playing D-I football," Davis said in an e-mail interview. "So when I made my decision, I wanted to keep that dream alive."

For a long time, many players followed the path to a Division I school right here in the state, at places like Glendale CC, Mesa CC, Scottsdale CC, Phoenix College, Pima CC, Eastern Arizona College, and Arizona Western College. But those all disappeared after the 2018 season. The Hohokam Junior College Athletic Conference debuted last season with four teams in the Valley and one in Tucson. Students who play in the league are required to enroll in local community colleges (which still exist, but don't have football teams). Games were held at local high schools.

Junior colleges in California compete in the CCCAA (California Community College Athletic Association). This is separate from the National Junior College Athletic Association that Arizona jucos used to compete in. As you can imagine, most of the rosters are comprised of California high school talent. However, Davis is familiar with one of the players on the Bakersfield team. Linebacker Cameron Williams is a Sahuaro alum and he made 21 tackles in eight games as a freshman for the Renegades last season.

"Cam was a beast in high school and is doing the same thing at Bakersfield, so he showed the Bakersfield staff that Sahuaro kids can play," Davis said. "All the resources that Bakersfield has to offer made my decision, and another chance to be looked at by D-I schools."

Davis committed to the Renegades on Feb. 21.

To say the Sahuaro Cougars ran the football last season would be an understatement. Through the first 11 games (no stats were posted for the quarterfinal game), SHS ran 471 plays and 385 of them were runs (82 percent). It was a three-headed ground attack with Davis and juniors Jamir Gasaway and Trevion Watkins. The trio amassed more than 2,700 yards with each of them gaining more than 700. Each reached double digits in touchdowns. Davis led the way with 1,103 yards and 12 TDs (and he missed two games with an ankle injury).

"We were gonna run the ball at you and get our best guys in space," Davis said. "When you run the ball 80 percent of the time, you have to have some tough guys up front and our offensive line did a great job of moving people for us! Trevion, Jamir, and I were always looking to make plays, so when our numbers got called, we were ready."

Aside from football, Davis also runs track at Sahuaro. He's a sprinter and his PR as a junior was 11.41 in the 100. He says his experience at SHS has been a good one.

"I've met a lot of great people who changed my life in big ways and helped shape me into the person I am today," Davis said. "The coaches treat me like a son and the administration does a great job of trying to put me in good situations. I'm really thankful for a lot of the people I've met at Sahuaro."

During his two years on varsity, Davis has been a part of a Cougar resurgence. Sahuaro finished 9-3 last season and was the top seed in the 4A Conference tournament. SHS compiled a mark of 19-6 over the past two seasons. In Davis' first two years when he played for the freshman and JV squads, he watched the older boys go 7-13 on Friday nights.

"As an underclassman, things weren't looking too bright for us," Davis said. "Going into my junior year, we got a new region (Kino) and division (a move down from 5A to 4A), and it was almost like a new start for us. We really worked hard to get where we wanted and to turn things around."

Bakersfield had two players sign with Division I colleges last month; a quarterback to Fresno State and a tight end to UTEP. Following a 3-7 season, head coach Jeff Chudy stepped down from his position after 16 seasons with the Renegades. His replacement, on an interim basis, is R. Todd Littlejohn, who is a BC alum. Most recently, Littlejohn was an assistant at Prairie View A&M (Tex.).

Davis has overcome injuries during his high school years and other obstacles. He's got the mindset that's imperative at the juco level to have that chip on his shoulder and keep the determination up.

"Thanks to everyone who has supported me and helped me get this far," Davis said. "With all the injuries and adversity that has gotten in my way, I will continue to open eyes and prove that I am one of the top backs to come out of Arizona. Please stay with me as this journey is still in progress."

We'll be watching, Izaiah!