San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Davenport prepares for Big Easy life
Moments after the New Orleans Saints drafted him, Marcus Davenport received a call from coach Sean Payton which he couldn’t fully interpret.
As expected, the excitement from family and friends was so loud that Davenport couldn’t understand the first few seconds of Payton’s message.
“Everybody was screaming,” Davenport said. “So, I had to tell everybody to be quiet, so I couldn’t hear him. But it was more like, ‘Do you want to be a Saint?’ I was just happy. I was really happy.”
After taking part in the team’s rookie minicamp earlier this month, the Stevens High and UTSA product is happy to get back to football following months of preparing for the
NFL Draft, where the Saints gave draft picks to select him 14th overall.
“It was a surprise on draft day,” Davenport said of the Saints’ decision to draft him.
In this week’s Off Topic, Davenport discusses goals for his rookie season, the music he played after being drafted and why he doesn’t play the John Madden video game anymore.
When you found out the Saints gave up (a fifth-round pick this year and a first-round pick next year to move to the No. 14 spot) to draft you, what was your reaction? Did you feel any pressure at all because you know you have to perform so it can appear the team didn’t give up too much to draft you?
I kind of felt that (pressure). But then it came to a point where they drafted me because they felt like I belonged. And then there are a group of guys here that, I feel like, they want me to succeed as well.
Have you been ordered to do any rookie duties yet?
I’m expecting it, but honestly, it hasn’t happened yet. Everybody is more focused on getting to work.
Do you feel any different now that you’re in the NFL, or is it still just football?
It’s still football, but just sometimes at a faster pace. That’s really the biggest part.
Speaking of pace, I know it might take more time, but have you got the speed aspect down or do you think it will take additional time?
I’m still working on it. I realize that my goal is to speed up, and I’ve been trying to do that. It’s a process.
Do you have any goals your rookie season?
Really, my goal is to earn my spot. That’s it.
But you’ve already earned your spot. You’re a first-round pick. The spot is earned.
No, that really doesn’t mean anything.
Why that mindset? First-round picks usually get a few years to prove yourself before a team gives up on you.
Well, because I want to be viewed as more than just a first-round pick. I guess that’s just my truth.
I know you have some relatives in the New Orleans area, but some players do not like to go back home or play where relatives area based because of the pressure that comes with it. Are you embracing that part of it?
Yeah. It’s honestly kind of cool. I do have some family here, not enough, but it’s just great to play where I feel comfortable.
What was UTSA head coach Frank Wilson’s impact on you? What did you learn from him?
How to think like a pro. That was always his motto’s — “practice like a pro.” It’s one of the things you need to do, or be willing to do, is put in the work to win.
Is there a player that you have looked up to that you may want to emulate?
One person I always looked toward was J.J. Watt just because of the motor. I thought that was like the coolest thing.
Have you ever spoken to him about his motor?
No, not yet.
Well, now that you’re on the opposite side, do you ever plan on talking to him about it or will you prove it on the field?
I’ll prove it on the field. No need to talk about it.
Give me the first song you listened to when it all settled down? When you got the opportunity to relax after being drafted.
I think I probably listened to “Till the End” by Logic.
Why that song?
Because it was about last year, when I was going into my summer before my senior year, I would use that song as my motivation. So, every time I needed a little pick me up to go work out, I would play that song.
Is there anything else motivating you right now?
My family. Like I said, this is just (a) step. I want to be the best. I want a lot more.
What are you going to miss most about college?
My friends and the family atmosphere that was we built.
What are you going to miss about roaming around UTSA when you were just regular Marcus Davenport?
Just kind of the same thing other than the fact I could actually walk around, and I wouldn’t be bombarded. But it’s pretty cool.
Will it be weird seeing yourself on the Madden video game? That’s if you play it.
I’m a fan, but I stopped playing.
Why?
(Laughs) I always tell this story. My brother beat me a long time ago. Like, he beat me bad. And then I just stopped playing.
Did you throw the controller at all? I do that when I lose.
No, I cried. I was maybe like 10.
But now that you’re on the game, do you think you’ll go back to it?
No. I think I’ll just let my family play it.
What do you think your player rating should be for your rookie year?
Probably like an 80. I still have a lot to improve on. You’ll have to ask me after the season.