Coming (back) to a football field near you: Malik Davis

Frustrating doesn’t begin to explain Malik Davis’ first two years in Gainesville. Davis came to Florida after rushing for 2,469 yards and 33 touchdowns. Not for his career, that was just his senior season. He finished his high school career as Tampa Jesuit’s career rushing leader (7,025 yards) and a county record 84 touchdowns.

He came to Florida and made an immediate impact as a freshmen in a crowded running back room. Davis played in seven games including two starts. He totaled 526 yards on 79 carries (6.7 ypc) before a foot injury ended his season. Davis’ 2018 season ended after just three games with a knee injury.

“It was pretty tough. Just mentally I think that was the biggest thing and just staying focused and remembering why I love to play the game and why I love doing what I’m doing,” Davis said. “That’s what kept me pushing and driving forward.”

“When you’re out, you kind of see how much you really love the game. I’m really happy to be back out there.”

Davis gives the Gators a different gear at tailback. Florida’s starter, senior Lamical Perine, is an all-around back. Dan Mullen has said Perine does “everything well” but Perine isn’t going to be able to carry the ball 40 times a game for the entire season.

“Honestly man, I don’t want to play 70 plays. If I have to for my team, I will, but, on my body? I’d take 40 plays,” Perine said of where he thinks his snap count — not carry total, will be in 2019. “I rotated a lot with Jordan Scarlett last year, so I felt like that helped me and him out.

Behind Perine there is a battle for reps with Davis and sophomore Dameon Pierce. All three of the backs bring something different to the table. Perine is the all-around guy, Pierce can run you over and Davis has the shiftiness that breaks ankles. It’s never been about talent, Davis has that in bundles. He just needs to stay healthy.

Having the game taken away from him two years in a row and having to spend so much time in the training room has molded his new perspective. Davis is still in the training room, only now he’s there because he wants to be and not because he has to be.

“One thing I look at is taking care of my body. Even though when I feel better and nothing is wrong with me, still getting treatment, still just doing everything I can to prevent any type of pain or injury that could happen,” Davis said.

Davis says he started to truly feel comfortable and back to 100-percent the last week of spring camp. He isn’t wearing a bulky knee brace and doesn’t expect to. He wants to feel comfortable on the field and he’s continuing to work towards that.

“Obviously, it’s great when you get him in the scrimmages now. In the spring I was really happy, the first one was a little tentative, the second one he started playing… now he’s back and looks kinda what he looked like before he got hurt,” Mullen said of Davis. “Which is great. I love rolling the backs you know. We did it… if you can. I love the opportunity to have guys be fresh.”

Davis knows he will have to earn his reps. Perine will be the featured back in Gainesville and Davis will figure out and find his role, just as long as you haven’t forgotten about him.

“Yes. I feel like (they have),” Davis said when asked if he thinks people have forgotten about him. “If they did, I will remind them.”

Nick de la Torre
A South Florida native, Nick developed a passion for all things sports at a very young age. His love for baseball was solidified when he saw Al Leiter’s no-hitter for the Marlins live in May of 1996. He was able to play baseball in college but quickly realized there isn’t much of a market for short, slow outfielders that hit around the Mendoza line. Wanting to continue with sports in some capacity he studied journalism at the University of Central Florida. Nick got his first start in the business as an intern for a website covering all things related to the NFL draft before spending two seasons covering the Florida football team at Bleacher Report. That job led him to GatorCountry. When he isn’t covering Gator sports, Nick enjoys hitting way too many shots on the golf course, attempting to keep up with his favorite t.v. shows and watching the Heat, Dolphins and Marlins. Follow him on twitter @NickdelatorreGC