Isaiah Davis, RB, South Dakota State
Size:
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 218 pounds
Arm Length: 31 1/8"
Hand Size: 10 1/4"
Accomplishments:
First-team FCS All-American (2023) • Team Captain (2023)
“Isaiah Davis is a highly productive running back with the size and NFL-caliber skill set worth developing.”
Strengths:
NFL build/frame
Workhorse RB
Ball security (three fumbles in four years)
Outstanding production
Leverage processing
Concerns:
Long/big-play speed
Bouncing runs outside
Consistency in pass pro
Burst and explosion
Film Analysis:
NFL size and workload are two of the first things I noted when studying Isaiah Davis. He comfortably handled a heavy workload for South Dakota State. I love and appreciate his ability to protect the football with his heavy workload. Out of 677 carries, Davis has fumbled only three times—insane ball security over his career.
One of his most impressive traits is his vision. The game seems to be slowed down for Davis. He can find running lanes to get north and south. Davis is a quick processor of information as a ball-carrier. I appreciate how he reads blocks and defensive leverage as he presses gaps. Davis possesses quicker feet for a back of his size/stature. I would go as far as to label him, somewhat fleet-footed. He has forced plenty of missed tackles during his collegiate career.
Davis runs with a good tempo he rarely is sped up. He is patient to allow blocks to set up and for second-level defenders to displace themselves with their pursuit angles. He is a one-cut and slashing-style runner. He identifies and diagnoses hard versus soft edges on zone concepts to determine if he can continue pressing outside or needs to plant and cut upfield. Davis has reliable and soft hands as a check-down receiving option.
An area of concern I noticed was his long speed. He will not be described as a home run threat. He has enough speed of course but won’t wow anyone by pulling away great athletes routinely. His burst and explosiveness are adequate. Again, it will get the job done. Davis’ pass protection technique needs consistency. His hand placement and timing can improve. Although he catches the ball well, his route tree is limited. Davis runs with a high upright style. This creates a bigger, more open target for closing defenders.
Overall, Davis projects as a developmental starting running back in a zone scheme. He can thrive on runs out of spread concepts with pistol and shotgun alignments.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Damian Parson
Exposures: North Dakota State (2023), North Dakota (2023), Montana (2023), Iowa (2022)
