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As he prepares for what will be his 14th season in the NFL, New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis made a visit to Little Rock on Saturday to speak to the hundreds of high school athletes from across the state and their families, who were invited to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Arkansas Preps awards banquet at the Statehouse Convention Center.
A native of Mississippi, Davis played collegiately at Arkansas State from 2008-11 before being drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Davis still has strong connections to Arkansas and said he jumped at the opportunity to speak at the awards banquet.
"It means a lot to be able to come back to Arkansas," Davis said ahead of the banquet. "This is a place that is near and dear to me. Being at Arkansas State really changed my life. Anytime I get a chance to come back, I'm always ecstatic."
Greenwood incoming senior quarterback Kane Archer, a University of Central Florida commit, was selected as the Male Athlete of the Year. Sheridan softball star Skylar Sterritt, who will also be a senior and has committed to the University of Arkansas, was named the Female Athlete of the Year. Little Rock Central wrestling Coach Aaron Butler was chosen as the Overall Coach of the Year.
Dozens of other athletes were honored in their respective sports and the convention center was packed with more than a thousand individuals as the athletes and their families were on hand for the program.
With some many athletes represented, Davis made the rounds but was not able to greet each of them personally. He did address the crowd during a question-and-answer session with David Bazzel of Little Rock's KABZ-FM, 103.7.
Davis, a five-time All-Pro selection, stressed the importance and impact that sports have on developing young people.
"Sports is the greatest teacher of life," Davis said. "It teaches you how to win, it teaches you how to lose, it teaches that the game is bigger than yourself. Those are principles that you can take with you through life."
Having gone through his own spiritual transformation during his time at Arkansas State, Davis shared many of his own experiences that helped mold him into a professional. He also spoke on how important it is for athletes to use their platforms to elevate others and the community as a whole.
"So much happened at (Arkansas State). I had a radical transformation giving my life to God," Davis said. "It's great being able to come here, in a place that's honoring so many athletes from the state of Arkansas who are on their own journey. Just being able to talk about sports and how it not only impacts lives, but it can change the trajectory of your life and the way you live your life."
Davis is now 36, but says he believes he will play at least three more years before considering retirement. He also said he has fond memories from his time playing college football at ASU, when he was a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection, and still stays in close contact with the program. While the focus of the night Saturday was on the kids, Davis briefly addressed how he enjoyed watching the Red Wolves this past football season and is hoping the team can continue to ascend in 2025.
"I was excited to see them really turn the corner and get eight wins (in 2024)," he said. "I think what (ASU Coach) Butch (Jones) has done has been incredible turning the program around. I think they have great quarterback play. The offensive line played phenomenal and our defense really started to turn the corner. I think just more of that will put A-State back where it belongs, which is in that top place."