Name: Davaris Howard
School: New Mexico Highlands
Position: OLB/DE
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 235

What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

When I got to college my goal was to make sure I complete an education and get better at my football skills so that I could be competitive when the NFL combine comes around. I believe that I have achieved this goal so far, because I am confident that with my training I will measure up to the other contenders in my position.

Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?

I took all the critique that I had received before the pandemic stopped our training and made improvements. According to my coaches, I needed to gain some size, get better at using my hips during drills, and get better at holding the edge. The pandemic gave me time to not only gain weight in the right ways, but also gave me time to get used to moving that weight around the field. I also took care of the different minor injuries I had, and did rehab to strengthen my weaker muscles. I basically made sure that I was going to be at 100% physically and mentally to meet my goals for the final semester.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My coaches and teammates would say that I am a team player and a morale booster. I show up every day ready to get aggressive and give 110% to get better, but I also do a good job at keeping a positive attitude and encouraging my teammates. I am passionate about the game, so I am always a student of sport, asking questions and looking for ways to get better to be trusted with more playing time.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

What i focus on improve my game is: My Read, My step, Tackling, Knowing my plays /check calls

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

What separates me from the other players is I’m a team player on and off the field I’m respectful to my coaches, fellow players, and everyone I come across. I don’t fight with team members or coaching staff, I use my communication skills to get my point across. I read my playbook everyday while looking at films working on my mistakes from practice so that I won’t repeat them in the game. I am versatile and coachable, so I can play whatever position where my abilities will help my team win. I’m a team leader and don’t follow the crowd in breaking rules. Punctuality is important to me so I am always on time I don’t give excuses about anything. Wrong or right, I get to work first and only give an explanation if requested by coach.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

I will be using this offseason to stay fit by doing fieldwork and getting into the weight room for weightlifting. I will also be increasing my social media presence so that people get to know me, and possibly start an online community that will translate into customers when I own a business down the line. In addition, I will be looking for an agent to help me through the process, as well as pro days that I can attend and show what I’m about and get my name out there.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

Great memory retention: I learn my plays fast Good team chemistry: I adapt to new environments and training styles quickly, and form cordial relationships naturally
Team player: I know I can’t win games all by myself, so I trust my teammates’ abilities and rely on them so that we can win as a family I am a great teammate, who keeps team morale up with my energy and positivity. Everyone around me knows that I don’t see any limits to their potential.
Dependability: I can be counted on to do my job consistently on the field and to be on time to all my off the field obligations I love my family and my community so honoring them in everything I do keeps me on the right path
Resilience: I don’t give up until I reach my goals in every aspect of life

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

Pro football general managers should draft me because I am relentless and hardworking on the field, giving 150% on every day on every rep, no matter how talented I believe I am. I won’t get comfortable because I know what it is like to live without, and I never want to go back to that again. Off the field, I am just as hardworking and respectful, and they will see that I am someone who can represent their teams in the best way on every front. There’s not an audience I can’t appeal to, and that’s the type of man they want representing them worldwide.