Davis Stops by to Chat
April 25, 2002 | Football
Running back Anthony Davis, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2001, conducted a half-hour chat with Badger fans right here on UWBADGERS.COM Wednesday night. Following is a transcript of A.D.'s chat. Check back for future chats with Badger athletes and coaches.
pez: How has spring ball gone for you personally as a player '
Anthony Davis: The spring game went well for me, but I only played a couple series. Spring practice went well. It was definitely a period where I got to improve, especially my vision and pass protection.
badgerfever: earlier today in a chat with the rowing coach, chris clark, wendall bryant wondered if some football players could row in a shell. would you have any interest' ever been on a rowing machine (ergometer)' i bet you could blow the dial off!
Anthony Davis: I've been on a boat a couple times, but never the types of boats that the crew team uses.
badgerfever: lots has been made of lee's injury ironically occuring on draft day when he elected to return rather than be drafted. i know youre still young, but that question will present itself to you sometime. how are you preparing for that day '
Anthony Davis: I think it could affect other players' decisions to leave early, but I don't think it would affect my decision if I were presented with that situation.
pez: How do current players figure into recruiting high schoolers '
Anthony Davis: We help recruits get a feel for the team and the personalities. The more comfortable they feel around us, the more likely they are to come to school here.
badgerfever: ive always been amazed as the time management skills of the athletes...how do you accomplish hard training and studies. im tired and i dont do the hard training.
Anthony Davis: It's tough to balance your academics with the amount of time we have. You have to use your time wisely. A lot of times you're doing two things at once to try to compensate for the amount of time you have.
badgerfever: how do you deal with the notoriety of being an athlete ' being recognized everywhere you go.
Anthony Davis: I'm probably more low key. I don't mind notoriety, but it has its ups and downs. I'm not sure how many people recognize me anyway.
Chat Moderator: Brad Eifort of Westbend writes, "After such a heartbreaking loss to hated rival Michigan last year do you 'think there will be a sense of urgency to win in Ann Arbor this year''"
Anthony Davis: Definitely. That's going to be a big challenge for us, going to Ann Arbor and playing in the Big House. There are a lot of us who have never played there before, like me.
Chat Moderator: Walter Lang writes, "AD do you miss being back home in Plainfield, and do you plan on going pro after you finish up school and what are you majoring in'"
Anthony Davis: Yes, I always miss home. I would go pro if I am fortunate enough to have the chance. And I am majoring in African-American studies.
badgerfever: whats the best part about being an athlete at wisconsin '
Anthony Davis: I'd say the amount of support you receive from people, like fans, teammates, staff. Also, the pride associated with being a part of Wisconsin athletics.
pez: What does the 1000 yard streak mean to the running backs and how does it feel to be the one continuing that tradition'
Anthony Davis: The 1,000-yard streak is something we take a lot of pride in. It's an honor to have continued that streak last year.
Chat Moderator: Dennis Kotnour or Madison writes, "describe your transition from high school football to college and what you did both physically and mentally to have such a great freshman year."
Anthony Davis: The transition was rough for me at times because there is a lot more expected of you at the college level. Sitting out a year gave me a chance to learn the system here and become a part of it. That year really helped me get adjusted on and off the field.
Andy C: Who are some of your better friends on the team'
Anthony Davis: Jerone Pettus, Byron Brown, Jonathan Clinkscale, Johnhy Sylvain. Those are probably the guys I hang out with the most.
beth2004: What are your goals for the upcoming season'
Anthony Davis: To improve as a player overall. That's my goal. I'll trust that good things will happen if I continue to improve.
Andy C: How good do you think the offense will be this year '
Anthony Davis: I think it will be a productive year for us.
Chat Moderator: Are there any more questions for Anthony '
beth2004: Has your family gotten to visit and watch you play ' If so, what do they think of the stadium and Madison'
Anthony Davis: Yes, my family has been out here several times. They enjoyed it and they were impressed and excited about the fans and the whole Camp Randall atmosphere.
Andy C: What was your most memorable game'
Anthony Davis: My most memorable game I'd say was the Penn State game. It was the first game after Sept. 11 and I think I was feeling a lot of pride being where we were. My family came to see the game, it was back east, my best friend came up to see the game and we won. It was just a happy day for me.
beth2004: How do you feel about the comparison with you and T. Dorsett since breaking his record last year'
Anthony Davis: It was an honor to even be mentioned in the same sentence with Tony Dorsett. It's something I'll never forget.
Anthony Davis: Thanks for your questions. See you all at Camp Randall this fall!
