South Dakota State RB Isaiah Davis Looking To Make His Mark At The 2024 Senior Bowl

South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis was one of the most accomplished running backs at the FCS level over the last few seasons. Davis earned FCS All-American honors in back-to-back seasons, while also being named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award in 2023.

He arrived in Mobile, Alabama as one of only four FCS prospects to be selected for the 2024 Senior Bowl. Davis spoke with Zach McKinnell of FCS Football Central about his journey to the Senior Bowl. 

"I'm definitely blessed to be here," Davis said. "One of the four FCS guys. A lot of guys on my level, FCS guys, have a chip on their shoulder and we know we got to get it out the mud and come out this week and especially prove ourselves to all these coaches."

In 46 career games at South Dakota State, Davis totaled 4,548 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns. He finished his career No. 3 all-time in school history for rushing yards and touchdowns. 

Davis Wants To Prove His Pass-Catching Ability

"Just my competitiveness," Davis said. "A lot of guys here are guys from big-time schools and I'm a guy who earned out the mud, got it from the FCS level, so just show that I can play with anybody. We are all here for a reason.

"And another thing too... I just want to show my pass protection and catch the ball out of the backfield. My film, being at the FCS level at South Dakota State, haven't had much opportunity to prove that and so I'm trying to take advantage of the one-on-one reps."

Davis recorded 53 receptions for 487 receiving yards and one touchdown for the Jackrabbits. Despite his lack of usage in the passing attack early in his career, Davis had a career-high 23 receptions last season and started to make an impact as a receiving threat.

The buzz is starting to grow around Davis as an NFL prospect as multiple NFL franchises have met with the former FCS All-American throughout the week.

"I met with 16 teams on Monday and then 18 yesterday (Tuesday)," Davis said. "I'm not going to get too much into who it was, but there's been a couple of teams that have been showing a lot of love and I'm definitely blessed, thankful to be in this position."

Watch Isaiah Davis and all the FCS prospects in the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on the NFL Network.