When the time comes and someone sets about creating the definitive list of the all-time greatest players in the history of the UTSA program, hovering at the top – if not the very top – will be the name “Marcus Davenport.”
He came to UTSA as an under recruited, undersized defensive lineman from right here in our own backyard by way of John Paul Stevens High School. By the time he would leave us for the shiny shores of the NFL and the New Orleans Saints, Davenport would completely rewrite the Roadrunner record books.
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From 2014-2017, Davenport grew into a true defensive force not just at UTSA, not just in Conference USA, but one that was renowned across the college football landscape. He would tally a staggering 185 tackles and 21.5 sacks while being named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year as a junior.
As a senior, he would become the first UTSA player invited to the prestigious Senior Bowl where he would add a sack of Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield to his resume. His stock rose to incredible heights and he became the first UTSA player to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft in 2018.
Injuries hampered him during his rookie campaign, but Davenport still managed 21 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 4.5 sacks (including 2 against the Minnesota Vikings). Now, fully healthy, Davenport is primed to become an even bigger force on a team that many predict will once again be Super Bowl contenders. He recently took a moment away from his hectic schedule to talk about his time at UTSA, his expectations this coming season, and oysters.
EM: First things first, Marcus. I know you dealt with quite a few injuries last year and had to have surgery on your thumb. Without violating any NFL injury report ‘issues,’ how are you doing right now? How is the health? Would you say you’re 100%?
MD: Oh, I’m great. Nothing is bothering me right now. I think it’s all a process and I’m just trying to stack these days and get better each and every day.
EM: That’s great news. I know everyone in Roadrunner Nation – and, I guess Who Dat Nation – will be glad to hear that. So, with that in mind, what kind of expectations have you set for yourself for this coming season?
MD: I just want to play more complete games. I want to be involved in first, second, and third downs. I just want to be a better all-around player and help my team win some games.
EM: Perfect. What has New Orleans been like for you so far? Are there many similarities between the Big Easy and the Alamo City?
MD: I think my favorite part of [New Orleans] so far has to be the people. I’ve had nothing but good times here and a lot of support. I think more of the surrounding areas are like San Antonio. Some of the areas around New Orleans are kind of slow and they almost have a home or small-town feel. San Antonio can have that in various parts of the city too.
EM: Gotcha, that makes a lot of sense. I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you about the food there. Obviously, New Orleans is one of the best food cities in the country. What have you enjoyed eating the most since you’ve been there?
MD: My favorite thing, hmm, that’s a tough one because I’ve been trying lots of things. New Orleans has got great food though. I love the pasta, the oysters. I need the oysters. Every time I go to this one restaurant, I always get at least one order of oysters.
EM: Yeah, you can’t beat New Orleans food. Stepping back a bit, let’s talk about your time at UTSA. I know a lot has been made over the years about how little you were recruited. What ultimately made UTSA the place for you?
MD: Really, what did it for me, was that I got to meet Aron Taylor and he was a big deal in my district while I was at Stevens. I got to meet him and it felt right. They really took me in and it felt like a new family that I could be a part of.
EM: What are your favorite playing memories of your time here at UTSA?
MD: Hmm, becoming bowl eligible, that game was fun. Also, beating Baylor and going to play [Texas A&M]. Not losing but getting to play up there. I also always liked the games against Texas State. Those games were pretty cool.
EM: What are your thoughts on the team this season? I know you get to come back quite a bit still and take part in some ‘stuff’ with the school, so you’re familiar with the current group. What do you think their outlook is this year?
MD: Oh, I’m excited and I’ve been excited for them. I’m happy to see that win [against UIW] and I’m happy to see Frank [Harris] finally healthy and out there playing. I know what he’s done in practice countless times.
And I like the O-line, they’ve gotten bigger. Of course, D-line is where my heart is at. It’s crazy to think that I was hosting a lot of those guys not too long ago [on their recruiting trips]. It’s great to see my team strong.
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