2015 NFL Draft Prospect Watch: Mike Davis, RB, South Carolina

Nov 2, 2013; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Mike Davis (28) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The SEC is constantly churning out some of the best talent in all of college football, and this year is no exception. Today I want to take a closer look at South Carolina running back Mike Davis, who finished last season with 1,183 yards rushing to go along with 11 touchdowns and 34 receptions. Davis is a 5’9″ 216 pound back who has obviously a very good build for the position and because of that build, he’s always got great pad level. Davis runs low, he runs hard, and he is fast. He has burst to get to the second and third level of defense in a hurry. He uses his powerful, thick lower body to keep his legs churning at the end of runs and drag defenders along with him. Initially, I’m really impressed by Davis. I think he has good vision for a young back as well as instincts as a runner. His ability on third downs as well is a huge plus in his transition to the NFL. Davis is a very good, oft-used receiver out of the backfield and he obviously knows what to do after the catch. As with any young back, Davis needs work learning pass protections and some experience in that regard, but he’s already pretty solid and is a willing and able blocker in the passing game. He’s so strong and sets his base so well with that frame that he is capable of shutting a defender out completely. He shows really good balance as a runner, and is equally capable of making plays as an inside runner as well as running to the outside. This is a player I really like and think he could be something special. He’s an undeclassman this year, so we’ll see if he chooses to leave South Carolina a year early to play pro ball, but I feel like he’d have a good chance at being one of the first backs off the board if he did. Here’s a cutup of Davis against Georgia last season, courtesy of the great folks at Draft Breakdown.