'The Duke' Makes it Official
1/3/2006 7:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 3, 2006
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland junior tight end Vernon "The Duke" Davis, the ACC's leading receiver in 2005, has officially announced that he will bypass his senior season of eligibility to enter the 2006 NFL draft.
"Maryland was a great place for me, a large part of my success and ability to make the decision to leave early," said Davis. "From the coaches, to academic support to the strength and conditioning staff, they get you physically and mentally prepared for being on the field. I came a long way since I stepped in the door and I will always have good memories of my time as a Terp."
Davis leaves Maryland after a season which saw him earn first team All-American honors from the Associated Press and American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). He led the Terrapins in receiving with 51 receptions for 871 yards and six touchdowns. His 871 yards were best in the ACC by a tight end and the fifth-best yardage total in a season in Maryland history while his average during the regular season (79.2 per game) was best by any receiver in the league.
 Vernon Davis -- seen here at his first Fan Day in 2003 -- has undergone quite a change in his tenure at Maryland.  |
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Tight ends and special teams coach Ray Rychleski -- who has mentored fellow NFL tight ends Matt Murphy and Jeff Dugan in his five years at Maryland -- said Davis' physical skills are unmatched in his experience as a coach.
"He is the best player I have had the privelege to coach," said Rychleski. "His talent, his 'want-to' and his work ethic make the sky the limit for this guy. We would have loved to have him for another year, but I understand why he is going and we wish him the best. I will look forward to watching him on Sundays."
Davis participated in the evaluation service offered to underclass players by the NFL, in which personnel directors and scouts review him and make an assessment of his potential draft status. The committee's recommendation was that Davis figures to be a first-round selection. Most draft prognosticators rate him as a Top 15 pick.
