Davis in line for first start at Rutgers

Posted Nov 1, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Nov 1, 2011 at 02:24 PM

USF coach Skip Holtz on Tuesday said he plans to start both redshirt freshman Deonte Welch and true freshman Andre Davis at receiver in Saturday’s game at Rutgers.

For Davis, a local product of Jefferson High, it will be his first career start.

Both Welch, who has made two starts already this season, and Davis both had big performances in USF’s last game, a 37-34 loss to Cincinnati on Oct. 22. Welch set career highs with five receptions for 130 yards, and Davis also had the best game of his young career with four receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown.

Injuries at receiver have opened the door for the two young players to see more time on the field, but Holtz is confident the two are ready to become significant contributors on an every-game basis and is looking forward to see how they respond against a tough Scarlet Knights defense.

“They’re ready to play. They’re just young. They’ll be a little bit nervous when they first get out there, but after the first couple of plays they’ll get rid of their nervousness,” Holtz said. “It’s going to be a little bit different challenge because they’re going to have somebody standing as close to them as this podium is to me right now. They’re going to have somebody in their face all day. They make you work for everything. So it’s going to be a little bit different game, but it will be good for them. I’m excited to watch them play.”