Better Than His Brother? Former Standout Davis Says Younger Brother Can Be

HARRISONBURG — Rakeem Davis didn’t even hesitate when asked.

“I’m probably going be better than my brother,” Davis said about possibly returning punts in college.

Davis committed to James Madison in April, but was able to keep it quiet until the summer. A slot receiver, punt returner, kick returner and free safety at Charlottesville High School, he’s the younger brother of Rashard Davis, who starred on the Dukes’ 2016 national championship team.

Rashard Davis was the Colonial Athletic Association Special Teams Player of the Year after leading the country with four punt-return touchdowns last fall.

“I don’t know if he’ll be a better punt returner right away, but definitely after he gets that college coaching, gets to go through drills and gets that weight the strength staff can put on him,” Rashard said. “He’s going to be a lot better than I was, especially at punt returner and getting the ball in his hands in a big space.

“He can be dangerous, so it’s possible.”

The older brother, who was in rookie minicamps with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets in May, said Rakeem will be more ready to play right away than he was when he first got to JMU.

“I think he’ll be a big impact player,” Rashard said. “I’ve been able to help him out and give him some knowledge since I’ve already been through the college process.

“He’s been able to learn from me and get started early with weightlifting, because I didn’t get started with it until college, actually. So he’s ahead of the ball.”

Rakeem Davis said JMU’s plan is for him to play inside receiver and serve as a returner on special teams.

Offensive coordinator Donnie Kirkpatrick and wide receivers coach Drew Dudzik were the lead recruiters on Davis. Davis said Virginia, Delaware and Harvard showed interest in him, but added that it would have taken an offer from Alabama or Florida State for him not to go to JMU.

“Coach [Mike] Houston came in and he’s got the program uplifted,” Rakeem said.