Louisiana Football: Interview with Benton 2022 DE Davis Sellers
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Davis Sellers, a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line for the next two seasons, is a rising star in the Benton High School football program. This young play-maker helped the Tigers make the state playoffs in the program’s first year in 5A while putting up some impressive numbers during his sophomore season. The work on the field is attracting a crowd off of it.
In 2019, Sellers racked up 76 total tackles including 21 for a loss, five sacks, two pass break-ups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery as a defensive end and then caught six passes including one for a touchdown as a tight end. After the season, he won two individual honors including first team All-Parish at the defensive end position.
This 6’2”, 225-pound, play-maker has tremendous footwork and athleticism which he uses on both sides of the ball. Sellers also possesses great awareness and strength. This class of 2022 prospect is already garnering interest from numerous college football programs and it’s only a matter of time until his recruiting process explodes.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Davis to talk about his breakout season in 2019 and his recruiting process.
Interview
Davis, how would you grade your individual performance from last year and why?
“I’d give myself a B. There are areas of the game that I excel in like strength, I just need to improve my explosiveness. I’m focusing on that during this offseason.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“A few of my strengths on the field include my versatility to play both sides of the ball, I’m a good leader, and my game awareness.”
What was your most memorable moment last year?
“There were lots of great memories from last season but my favorite one had to be in the Huntington game. It was halftime, we were down and needed a score. We went straight out, drove down the field and I scored my first high school touchdown on a flat route.”
What kind of challenges did you face in the 2019 season?
“I didn’t necessarily face any individual challenges last season, but our entire defensive unit suffered from multiple injuries.”
How did you overcome all this challenge?
“We had a “next man up” mentality and the players coming in did a good job replacing the starter.”
What is your practice/workout schedule like during this extended offseason?
“Because of the coronavirus situation, Spring Practice is out the window. I’m lifting, running, and doing drill work six days a week on my own.”
What are you working on the most?
“I’m working to improve my speed and explosiveness.”
What are your maxes in the weight room?
“My bench is 315, my power clean is 295, and my squat is 485.”
What is your favorite part about playing defensive end?
“My favorite part about defensive end is going one on one with an offensive lineman in pass rush, and winning.”
Is there a current NFL player that you try to model your game after?
“TJ Watt, he is the perfect mixture of an outside linebacker and a defensive end. He is very athletic but also very strong at the point of attack.”
What schools are showing you interest at this time?
“SMU, University of Central Arkansas, and Arkansas Tech mainly, but there are some others that have shown some interest.”
Have you attended any college camps?
“Yes, last summer I attended Texas A&M-Commerce’s Mega Camp, SMU, Baylor, Wisconsin, Iowa, and University of Central Arkansas camps.”
Which was your favorite camp and why?
“My favorite camp was Baylor; I actually went twice, once as defensive end and as a tight end. But the tight ends coach wanted me to come back as a tight end only. I liked it the most because there was real coaching and you got to know the staff well. It was an all-around great experience.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“I throw shot put and discus for the track and field team.”
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
“My favorite subject in school is science, mainly biology. I’ve grown up in the outdoors and have always been interested in things of that sort.”
What is your GPA?
“4.0.”
What is your favorite thing about playing at Benton High School?
“My favorite thing about Benton football is the family culture. I know it sounds cliché, but there truly is a real bond between the coaches and players.”
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength – Philippians 4:13.”
Thank you for your time and good luck next season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Benton defensive end Davis Sellers
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Benton defensive end Davis Sellers