April 6, 2013
Spring Practice No. 6 | Interview with C. Davis
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — If pace at University of Iowa spring football practice isn’t up to speed, chances are good that junior defensive tackle Carl Davis will do something about it.
The Hawkeyes completed their second week of spring drills Saturday inside Kinnick Stadium. Davis, who had 14 tackles in 11 games last season, is listed No. 1 on the depth chart.
“We always come out here and have fun in practice and try to pick up the tempo,” Davis said. “The goal is to try to get better every day throughout this whole spring.”
No longer one of the youngsters on the defensive line, Davis said if practices tend to get a little “dead,” it’s up to him to rile his teammates into extra concentration.
“I’ll get the tempo going a little bit,” Davis said. “I’m trying to help the team the best I can.”
For Davis, his improvement as a player between the 2012 season finale and spring has been from a mental aspect. By watching film and talking to linebackers James Morris and Anthony Hitchens, he is gaining a better grasp of the Phil Parker defense. Davis is also working on fundamentals stressed by his position coach Reese Morgan.
“Pad level and hands,” said Davis, on two areas of emphasis.
Saturday’s practice was spirited with several big pad-popping hits. Davis tipped his hat to the Hawkeye offensive linemen, saying they “have been competing and doing good things.”
“It’s been a battle, but it has been fun every day coming out here and competing,” Davis said. “Everybody is in a competitive spirit, but it’s all love in the locker room.”
Davis praised some of the younger defensive linemen, telling Hawkeye fans to keep an eye on sophomore Drew Ott, and freshmen Jaleel Johnson and Faith Ekakitie.
“They have been doing some good things out here,” Davis said.
The Hawkeyes return to the practice field Wednesday, April 10. Earlier that day, UI assistant coaches LeVar Woods (linebackers) and Chris White (running backs, special teams) will gather with media in the Hayden Fry Football Complex.