Backup knows QB depth is critical in CFL
Davis looks forward to connecting with team, building relationship with coach
Dominique Davis wants to set the record straight.
“I like to run the ball, but I don’t see myself as a running quarterback,” the Redblacks new backup said Friday following the last practice of the team’s three-day rookie camp. “I’m a quarterback that can run. That’s how I treat it. I don’t like to say I’m a scrambling QB because a scrambling QB means he can’t throw, he can just run. I actually can make every throw on the field. I just use my feet when I need to.
“I just like to get the ball in playmakers’ hands and let them do the job for me.”
Whatever he’s going to do, the Redblacks’ fate this season just might depend on it. Davis could be the second most important player on the team. Such is the way of life in the CFL. Only one quarterback, Edmonton’s Mike Reilly, played all 18 games in 2017.
A shoulder injury forced Ottawa’s Trevor Harris out of a Week 12 game against the Hamilton Ticats. The Redblacks went on to lose that one and two of the next three without their No .1 signal caller.
When he went down, Harris was put on the six-game injury reserve. Had he been out that long, the Redblacks wouldn’t have made the playoffs.
Davis spent the past three seasons as the insurance policy on Matt Nichols in Winnipeg. His CFL career numbers would make for a decent game. He has never thrown a touchdown pass, but he’s never been intercepted either. Davis has completed 33-of-54 tosses for 377 yards, while rushing the ball 16 times for 66 yards.
The Bombers released Davis because they weren’t satisfied with the job he did when Nichols went down last season. Moving away from Drew Tate and Ryan Lindley, the Redblacks swooped in.
“He’s doing a good job,” head coach Rick Campbell said of the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Davis, cautiously steering clear of the word upgrade. “He’s got a good demeanour about him too. He’s calm, he’s good in the huddle, the guys believe in what he’s saying. I’m looking forward to seeing him grow everyday, as he gets comfortable with the offence and doing all that.
“We think he’s a really good player. We’re excited to have him.”
Davis’ college career began at Boston College when Matt Ryan was the Eagles’ starter. Eventually he transferred to East Carolina University, where he won awards and set records.
When Davis didn’t get drafted, he signed as a free agent with Atlanta, re-uniting him with Ryan. After one season as the Falcons’ third stringer, he was waived. Four other NFL teams signed and waived him — Tennessee, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and Kansas City — before Davis headed to Canada.
While he doesn’t stay in touch with Ryan, he says “I just look from afar, and I’m still one of his biggest fans.”
What did Ryan teach him? “Everything,” said Davis. “Consistency. How to be a pro. How to practice. How to take care of your body. He treated everyone like they were important. Even if he didn’t think that, he made you feel important. That’s something I try to take back with me.”
Davis arrived in Ottawa knowing just two Redblacks. He was in Winnipeg with receiver Julian Feoli- Gudino and he trained one off-season in Tampa with Greg Ellingson.
He doesn’t expect the transition to be too difficult.
“Being in the CFL now for four years, it’s all the same, it’s just different terminology,” said Davis. “It’s just trying to get the language down. The offence here is great, and the offence in Winnipeg was great, too, as you could see. Matt Nichols put up great numbers.
“But (Redblacks offensive coordinator Jamie) Elizondo, he’s a great coach. He’s helping me build. Be a better man, be a better quarterback. I’m just looking to keep building.”
Davis insists he’s not becoming impatient with his pursuit of a No. 1 job.
“I’ve been patient this long,” he said. “I just keep my head down, keep working and wait for my number to be called.
“I look at it as an opportunity to keep doing the things I love to do. I love this game. I don’t want to cheat this game.
He also knows the history of quar- terback injuries in the CFL.
“That’s something I’m learning up here, that you need guys behind the starter,” said Davis. “Because you never know. I’m here to support Trevor any way I can, and I know he’s going to help me. We’re just in it together, trying to win a Grey Cup.”
Even if it means Davis has to contribute with his feet.
“In this league you can be successful running, but you also have to be a passer, too,” he said. “That’s why a guy like Mike Reilly is one of the best in the league. He has the best of both worlds.
“But I’m a pass first, run second type quarterback. So are the rest of the quarterbacks in the lockerroom.”
At that point, Davis was reminded a pretty good scrambler also went to Boston College. Ever hear of Doug Flutie?
“He was a runner, but he could sling it, too,” said Davis, adding that he used to play some pickup basketball and have “convos” with Flutie when the CFL’s GOAT would go back to B.C. for a visit .“He was smart. He knew where to go with the ball before the snap. He was very smart and look at him now. He’s a legend. Up here and down in the States.”