It’s hard to believe, but just five years ago Auburn wide receiver Ryan Davis was dominating the fields of the Bay Area.

“You could almost see the glimpse in his eyes of greatness and what he wanted to do,” said Lakewood head coach Cory Moore. He was Davis’ coach in high school.

Davis starred at Lakewood high in St. Pete. By his senior year, Davis set the Pinellas County career passing record with nearly 6800 yards and was named first team all-state.  It was an impressive feat…but at Lakewood…he was part of a long line of success.

Lakewood high has become known for producing NFL Talent. Like Los Angeles Rams defensive end Dante Fowler and Patriots offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn – both are Atlanta-bound for Super Bowl 53.

“Being in that line and the next guy to come out – to see those guys who laid the foundation and lead that legacy and keep the  tradition going,” said Davis. “I definitely take great pride in that and want to be the next great Lakewood player to come out.”

The Lakewood-NFL connection continues with USF alum and Packers receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, as well as UCF alums Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin – both now with the Seattle Seahawks. Cory Moore has been the head coach at Lakewood since 2008 – in his time at the school, nine players have made it.

“His ability to catch the ball, his ability to be in different formations, he can run, he can throw, and now with all these different RPO’s he fits into that system,” says Moore – who has been a coaching intern for NFL and college teams.

“I feel like it definitely translates well into the NFL,” said Davis as he left East-West Shrine practice last week. “ The way these offenses are spreading the ball around, using guys – especially like me – in different ways, so I think it will translate pretty good."

Davis was a standout at Auburn – becoming the school’s all-time reception’s leader. He recently took part in the East West Shrine Game in St. Pete. While Davis was able to challenge other college players – he feels his really competition is the tradition of past Lakewood alums.

“Seeing guys do it from this area, I just want to be that next guy from the area to do so,” said Davis.
And according to Cory Moore – Ryan Davis being on an NFL field is a certainty.

“He will definitely be playing on Sundays - Absolutely.”

Ryan Davis is a few months away from his NFL dreams – but he isn’t worried about carving a new path…he simply wants to add his own line to the Lakewood NFL legacy.