Sema’J Davis has solidified himself as a key component in the Wildcats’ offense in the present and the near future. The sophomore kinesiology major out of Midland has shown his skillset on the field, but there is a lot more to Davis than just his play in between the white lines.
Davis a graduate of Midland Lee High School, where he started under center two years for the Rebels. As a junior, he led Midland Lee with 52.4 percent of their total offensive yards, divvying that up to 967 passing yards and 891 rushing yards. He also accounted for 10 touchdowns for the Rebels.
In between Davis’ junior and senior seasons, Midland Lee made a coaching change. The Rebels lost head coach James Morton who was replaced by first-year head coach Clint Hartman. Hartman realized the talent Davis had early in his tenure at Midland.
“He was something ridiculous,” Hartman said in an interview with the Midland Reporter-Tribune. “I think he’s a college quarterback. I think somebody is going to come and get him.”
As a senior, he was elected captain by his teammates in the spring and began preparing for a larger task ahead. He knew that college was approaching and wanted to play at the next level. The Rebels finished the 2016 season at 3-7, but Davis pursued bigger aspirations.
In February of 2017, Davis officially signed his letter of intent to play at ACU. Davis would be redshirted his freshman season, but knew he had made the right decision.
“I was focusing on where I wanted to play football, that was my main love,” Davis said. “Everybody here, the players and coaches, I just fell in love with the campus.”
Davis did not disappoint Wildcat fans on the gridiron his first full season. In 2018, he accumulated 170 all-purpose yards in eight games. He rushed for 158 yards, and got 12 yards through receptions. He also completed two of his four passing attempts for 31 yards.
Davis has seen his playing time increase significantly coming into his second full season as a Wildcat and has given head coach Adam Dorrel every reason to continue playing the speedster.
“It’s been a blessing to play for this team,” Davis said. “I’m thankful the coaches and players are confident in me to make those plays.”
As a sophomore, he has completed 23-36 passing attempts for 191 total yards and two touchdowns. However, he’s best known for his speed. Davis has taken the ball himself 65 times this season for a total of 514 yards and three touchdowns. His longest rush of the season was a 75-yard run against Houston Baptist.
“My main focus has been to be more consistent,” Davis said. “I want to be a well-developed quarterback.”
Outside of football, Davis said that he stays busy between school, workouts, and a social life. He said that he has been significantly busier since pledging GSP, but that has not taken away from his time with his friends. Davis said that he is an avid NBA 2K player, often playing with Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies.
“Koy Richardson has been the most dominant when we play 2K.” Davis said chuckling as fellow quarterback Luke Anthony walked by, motioning to himself about being the best NBA 2K player out of the group.
Davis has been a bright spot for the Wildcats this season, and looks to continue to add on to already impressive statistics through the remainder of the season. He credits a lot of his success to Luke Anthony, who he said has been a role model in his time at ACU.
“In order to be a great leader, you have to be a great follower,” Davis said. “I feel like he’s been a blessing showing me the ropes and taking me under his wing. I feel very confident taking the reins after that.”
Davis and the Wildcats will look to continue their three-game winning streak at home November 9th against the Bearcats of Sam Houston State. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
