Powerful Presence

He was astute enough to know, though, that he wouldn’t achieve success in football, basketball, or track with physical ability alone, so he sought out role models who set the tone and provided positive examples.

 

In the fall of 2022, one was Wyatt King, a starting running back until a leg injury ended his season and Davis, who played JV the year before, stepped into the breach.

 

“After he got hurt, he taught me how I could improve,” Davis said. “He broke down film and showed me what I needed to do. I really appreciated that.”

 

In the winter, it was J.B. Bell and Jalen Pierce, both of whom went on to play college basketball, Bell at Marymount and Pierce at Millersville. In the spring, it was Krystian Williams, a sprinter/jumper par excellence who went on to play football for Virginia Tech.

 

As Davis enters his senior year, the tables have turned. He’s no longer the aspiring youngster. He’s The Man.

 

“I just want to make an impact on Collegiate,” he said one recent afternoon just days before the beginning of football practice. “If I teach people what I’ve learned, they can start further along than I started.”

 

That, friends, is Xay Davis at his best, for he’s committed not just to achieving personal excellence but to leading as he has been led.

 

“Athletically, Xay is like no other player we’ve ever had since I’ve been here,” said Collin McConaghy, Collegiate’s head football coach. “He’s our jack of all trades, our Swiss Army knife. He has the ability to run, jump, catch, cut and do everything you need a running back/receiver to do. What’s special about him is that he’s such a humble kid. He’s continued to work to get better. He encourages those around him. His leadership ability has gone through the roof.”

 

As a junior, Davis, who’s 5-11, 195, rushed 72 times for 408 yards as a running back and caught 50 passes for 496 yards and four touchdowns as a slot receiver. He also averaged 20.2 yards on kickoff returns and 24.7 yards on punt returns. His accomplishments earned him All-VISAA honors as both an athlete (first team) and receiver (second team). He was also cited as honorable mention All-Metro.

 

Suffice it to say that he’ll pull yeoman’s duty in the offensive backfield this fall. He’ll also continue to return punts and kickoffs and will move into a starting role at middle linebacker in the Cougars’ base 4-3 defense.

 

“Xay is too special not to have him on the field whenever we can as long as we can manage him and make sure he’s finishing the game and not cramping up,” McConaghy said.  “He has the ability to impact every single play, and he can do it from literally any position. He’ll play everywhere we need him, and he’ll be more than happy to do that to help his team.”

 

A three-star recruit, Davis drew considerable interest from college recruiters. In late April, he verbally committed to play for Virginia.

 

“I got the offer going into my junior year two weeks after I went to camp there,” he said. “I just really loved the atmosphere at UVA. I’ve been to a couple of games. I got to know the coaches and players and really enjoyed being with them. I feel like that’s where I fit in best.”

 

That said, the recruiting has continued, and he’s received two more offers since he made his announcement. Though he can’t sign his binding letter of intent until Dec. 4, Davis is a man of his word.

 

“I feel like before I make a commitment, I want to know if that’s what I want and where I really want to go,” he said, “so when other opportunities come along, I know I won’t switch.”

 

When Davis heads off to Charlottesville next summer, he’ll leave basketball, his favorite childhood sport, and track and field behind. Before he goes, though, he’ll complete his high school career in both.

 

“This [winter] will be my last time playing organized basketball,” he said. “And track…I really like track. My friends are on the team. It’s really fun to hang out with them and do something I love.”

 

Davis has played varsity basketball the past two years. As a sophomore, he came off the bench. As a junior, he started at guard.

 

“Xay is one of the most athletic and versatile defenders in the Prep League,” said Del Harris, who stepped down following the 2024 season after heading the Cougars’ basketball program for eight years. “He’s willing to play any role asked of him and often played bigger than his size and out of position. He’s a selfless teammate and a joy to coach.”

 

Davis began varsity track in the 8th grade as a sprinter and jumper. He’s recorded personal bests of 11.15 in the 100, 24.33 in the 200, 22-3.75 in the long jump, and 42-9.5 in the triple jump. Last spring, he placed second in the league and third in the state in both horizontal jump events.

 

Despite his dedication to and enjoyment of his three sports of choice, Davis’s focus this summer was football. He’s trained intensely and intently at Onyx Elite, with running back trainer Daniel “Bullet” Jenkins, and with his Collegiate teammates at open gym workout sessions. He’s also spent time strengthening his relationships with senior quarterback Jack Callaghan, a University of Richmond commit, and other Cougar receivers.

 

“Xay and I have grown to be really close both on and off the field the past four years,” Callaghan said.  “Being able to challenge each other [in a positive manner] in practice has been amazing. He’s a great resource for me. Being next to him in practice and games, talking through plays on the sideline in the middle of the game, and knowing that we’re always on the same page helps a lot.

        

“Xay is a super athlete. He’s a guy you can rely on because he always does the right thing. He’ll run his routes at the right yardage. Our minds are synched up. I know where he’s going to be. He understands what I’m thinking and what I’m seeing.”

 

The Cougars began team workouts in earnest on Aug. 5 with their five captains (Davis, Callaghan, Blake Ingold, Jack Dooley, and Adam Sulanke) setting the tone. They open Aug. 30 with a home game against Armstrong, which reached the VHSL Class 2 state semifinals last fall. Their plan is to improve on their 4-6 record a year ago. Davis, of course, is integral to that plan.

 

“The team loves him,” McConaghy said. “They feed off him. They know they’re OK having him by their side. He gives everybody more confidence not just from what he says but by his presence. I couldn’t have better things to say about him. I’m glad he’s a Cougar.”

~Weldon Bradshaw