University of Florida verbal commits Latroy Pittman and Mike Davis both competed at “The Opening,” a new combine and 7-on-7 tournament held at the Nike World headquarters in Beaverton, OR.
Davis, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound running back from Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Ga., enjoyed the combine experience both on and off the field. Davis had a chance to meet and talk with current Baltimore Ravens starting running back Ray Rice.
According to Davis, Rice talked to him about the difference between college and the NFL.
“Ray just told me that that NFL is so much like a business, but you have to work hard to get to where you want to be,” Davis said. “He also talked to us about how important ball security is and he showed us some different things to try and help us with taking care of the ball.”
On the field, Davis recorded a 4.5-second electronically timed 40-yard dash, while he also boasted a 37-inch vertical jump. In the 7-on-7 portion of the combine, Davis’ team lost in the championship game to another team which had combine MVP Landon Collins (6-0/199, Geismar, LA/ Dutchtown) on it.
Ranked as a four-star player and the No. 17 running back by ESPNU, Davis said he used the event as an opportunity for him to help himself move up in the rankings.
“I just went out there and proved that I am one of the best running backs in the country,” Davis said.
On the recruiting front Davis said he tried convince other top recruits to join him in Gainesville.
“Yeah, I talked to Tracy Howard, Marcus Maye, and Kwon Alexander,” he said. “I’m not sure what Tracy or Kwon are going to do, but I think Maye really likes Florida.”
Florida verbal commit Latroy Pittman was also working on some of the same recruits while in Oregon.
The 6-foot-1, 198-pound receiver from Citra (FL) North Marion said he hit it off with a few of the prospects who are considering Florida.
“I talked with Marcus Maye, Tracy Howard, and Nelson Agholor a lot,” Pittman said. “I hit it off with Agholor – he told me that if Maye commits at Friday Night Lights, then he might do the same.
“I’m not sure about Howard. He has Florida at the top with Miami, he did tell me he thinks Miami is on the rise again, though.”
On the field, Pittman thought he performed well.
“I thought I came out and showed that I can play against the best and do well,” Pittman said.
Pittman, who is ranked as the No. 15 wide receiver and the No. 106 player overall by ESPN, clocked a 4.5-second 40-yard dash at the combine.
Gator Country Recruiting Coordinator Derek Tyson can be reached at Derek@GatorCountry.com. You can also follow him on Twitter at DerekTysonGC.