For Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Davis

contributed photo

While Kenny Davis may be one of the smallest players on a rather massive-looking Liberty-Bakersfield squad, he's their biggest threat on offense when they need to air it out.

The 5-foot-8, 190-pound wide receiver is a machine when he gets the football. With his routes, hands and big-play potential, it's almost like looking at Carolina's Steve Smith.

While Davis may not be putting up Smith-like numbers on the prep scene at Liberty (he's yet to have a 100-yard outing), his production and on-field traits still makes him one of the more dangerous wide receivers in the Central Section.

In fact, Davis has actually had more receptions or his best production against two of the better defenses in the state - Central-Fresno and inner-city rival Bakersfield High.

 Davis went toe-to-toe with highly-touted cornerback L.J Moore of Central. While held to 65 yards receiving, he still hauled in eight receptions and caught one deep ball versus the ridiculously talented Moore. The following week versus traditional Kern County powerhouse Tehachapi, Davis shook some Warrior defenders for seven catches, 95-yards and two touchdowns in the 45-7 rout back on Sept. 7.

Most recently, in certainly the biggest stunner of the 2012 season, Davis was held to three receptions - but he averaged 24.3 yards per catch against the loaded Driller secondary in the 28-17 shocker last Friday.

Davis has an explosive get-off from the line that gets him lots of separation, even against a press coverage. His feet are smooth when he's running routes. Speaking of the route-running aspect, Davis' speed on that end has to make him one of the faster players in the Central Valley.

He also hasn't been caught slowing his feet down, even when he doesn't have the football. Sometimes, after running downfield and helping throw a block, Davis will then reach a second level and bury his body into the next defender, so he can free up more running space. He's a run-blocker to watch out for too for run-heavy Liberty.

Maybe, his small stature is a drawback. But this Patriot can make big-time plays. He can be a dangerous threat in the play-action and has enough speed to be used on reverses or special team returns.

MORE ON DAVIS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNnvw99iYTw&feature=youtu.be