The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
09.12.2001 | Football
Former Longhorns All-American offensive tackle Leonard Davis, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2001 NFL Draft by Arizona Cardinals, was in town last weekend to take in UT's 44-14 victory against North Carolina. Davis earned consensus first-team All-America honors, was a finalist for the Outland Trophy and a semifinalist for the Lombardi Trophy last season after helping lead a Longhorns offense that averaged 38.6 points per game (eighth NCAA), 439.0 yards per contest (14th NCAA) and a school-record 293.5 passing yards per game (14th NCAA). During halftime of the 30-point victory, caught up with Davis and asked him a few questions. Below is a transcript of the conversation.
What have you been up to since leaving The University of Texas? Well, since I left, I started training camp a little late but really don't feel like a missed a beat. It's been great so far. I have played in a few preseason games and feel like I am getting better and better each week. Right now, I'm playing right guard and having a lot of fun. It's all about getting better and trying to help the Cardinals win games this season.
What's been the most challenging aspect of moving from college to professional football? The biggest difference between college and the NFL is hands. It's really important to have good hands so you can keep defensive linemen off your body. If you can do that, then you can play against anybody in the league.
What did it feel like to return to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium knowing that you weren't going to play for UT? It was kind of weird, but it's one of those things you have to accept. Even though I am not out there playing, I am supporting the guys. I know I have to step back and let them play. I think they are doing a good job so far this season.
What are your impressions of this year's Longhorns? They are looking really good. Defensively, I think they are one of the top teams in the country right now and the special teams are as good as I have ever seen here. On offense, I think they have played good so far, and when they get on a roll, I think they are going to be tough to stop.
What are your favorite memories of The University of Texas? Hanging out with my teammates and the camaraderie that we had are two of my favorite memories. In the pros, there are only 53 guys on a roster and you don't really get a chance to get to know your teammates all that well because you really don't hang out off the field. Things are just different and you can definitely tell it's a business." What one thing did you take to the NFL that you learned from Coach Brown? "One of the biggest things Coach Brown taught me was not to worry about things I can't control. I can't worry about the defense and special teams because I don't have any control over what they do. The only thing I can worry about is my job on the offensive line. If I do my job, and everyone takes care of theirs, then everything else will fall into place.
What will be going through your mind when you play your first NFL game? I don't think I will be as nervous as I was for my first preseason game. I had to play against John Randle in that game and he was a great player to play against. Against Washington, I will face Dan 'Big Daddy' Wilkinson and he is a good player who has good technique. I am just going to go out there and play like I know I can and try to shut him down.
