Patience pays off for Davis

  • John Sleeper / Herald Writer
  • Wednesday, December 26, 2001 9:00pm
  • Sports

By John Sleeper

Herald Writer

SAN DIEGO – At the lowest points, Wondame Davis entertained ideas of leaving the University of Washington.

Forgive Davis if he felt jerked around by the coaching staff. Had he been more selfish, had his father – whom Davis respects greatly – not urged him to battle each obstacle with vigor, Davis might well have not experienced the Rose Bowl last year, the wild thrill ride the Huskies have had the last two years or two Holiday Bowls.

“I’d have to say it was worth it,” Davis said.

Versatility? Davis has worn more hats than Jose Canseco. Perseverance? Davis defines it.

Davis, now completing his fifth year at Washington, was a high school quarterback recruited as a cornerback. He racked up 28 tackles in eight games filling in for the injured Jermaine Smith as a redshirt freshman, played almost never when the new coaching staff came in before the 1999 season, was switched to wide receiver and gradually fell deep in the depth chart as a junior and finally saw action this year, again playing out of position as an undersized (5 feet, 11 inches, 170 pounds) free safety.

It isn’t exactly the career Davis had in mind coming out of Manual High School in Denver. It certainly did little to help his development as a cornerback, his natural position.

What the constant switching did was help the Huskies where they needed it most, which varied depending on the season.

“Unfortunately, we’re not at a place yet where our depth is such that we can just leave people where they are,” UW coach Rick Neuheisel said. “We’ve had to move people around. Because he’s so intelligent and athletic, we felt he’s a guy who can move and still learn quickly enough to help. I don’t know that it’s the best deal for Wondame, but he has been what we’ve needed him to be. We will not soon forget his contribution.”

However, the changes did nothing to help Davis believe he was a crucial part of a developing team. Davis was always the stopgap. It played with his head. And it hindered his development.

“It’s been hard,” Davis said. “The best part about it is that you learn. You learn how to be a team player. I learned a lot. I learned to be patient. My time was going to come if I kept working hard. You’re not going to be given things. I learned that you have to earn it. That’s fine with me.”

A weakness at receiver prompted the coaching staff to switch Davis there before the 2000 season. He flourished at first, shining in spring drills. He caught two passes in the opener against Idaho, but caught just four more passes the rest of the season and spent much of his time on special teams.

“I thought I was better than that,” Davis said.

It was during that time when Davis toyed with the idea of transferring. Understand, the vast majority of Division I players have a dream, realistic or not, about the NFL and use college to develop skills in their specialty.

But the way Davis was used, it was impossible to even define a specialty. He worked two seasons at cornerback and played little by the time he was a sophomore. Wideout was a wash, considering his gradual descent on the depth chart.

Added to the equation was the new coaching staff. Davis wasn’t even lightly recruited by Neuheisel at Colorado, and it didn’t take Davis long to realize that there must have been a reason for that. It also didn’t take long to wonder what chance he had of playing for a coach who didn’t think highly enough of him to offer him a scholarship.

“Truthfully, I considered leaving,” Davis said. “A lot. I thought someone must have thought I could play. Someone must have thought I could do something.”

Davis’ father, the Rev. Wade C. Davis, kept his son at Washington as much as anyone. He also advised his son to stay because of the education he was receiving at Washington, free of charge. Davis, an intelligent, articulate 21-year-old, has a degree in English and wants to teach if an NFL career doesn’t pan out.

“My inspiration is my father,” Davis said. “I talked to him daily. I prayed about it a lot. That’s been my guidance.”

Davis’ switch to safety before his senior year has worked out wonderfully. The Huskies were thin at the position, what with Hakim Akbar’s early entry into the NFL and Curtis Williams’ tragic injury. Davis played in all 11 games, starting eight, and was fourth on the team in tackles, with 82.

The coaching staff, the same one that didn’t think Davis was good enough to play Division I, named him the Defensive MVP in games against California and USC. Davis had seven tackles and his only career interception against Arizona. He also recovered a fumble by WSU tailback Dave Minnich at the Huskies’ 5-yard line.

“I think I’ve had a good year,” Davis said. “I had a little bit higher expectations. I wanted to have more tackles. I had high goals that I set for myself. I think overall, I’ve had a good year.”

Davis’ legacy will be about sticking to it. Despite the distractions, the questions others had about his ability and problems relating to his own lack of size, Davis finishes his UW career Friday against Texas in the Holiday Bowl with the satisfaction that he’s learned more about life than he ever thought he would.

“I’ve been to a Rose Bowl and won the Pac-10 championship,” Davis said. “I’ve enjoyed myself here.”

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