2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Isaiah Davis, RB, South Dakota State

Isaiah Davis has been one of the most prolific runners at the FCS level over the past several seasons. He is a shifty, patient runner in the South Dakota State offense and has been a game changer. Hula Bowl scout Victor Horn breaks down Davis as an NFL Prospect in his report. — Isaiah Davis has been one of the most prolific runners at the FCS level over the past several seasons. He is a shifty, patient runner in the South Dakota State offense and has been a game-changer. Hula Bowl scout Victor Horn breaks down Davis as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Isaiah Davis, #22
School (Code)	South Dakota State University (SDST)
DOB, Class Yr	11-04-01, SR
Height, Weight	6000, 220
40 Yd Dash	4.59e
Position/Depth	RB, 1st
Honors/Captainship	HERO Sports FCS Sophomore All-America Team (2021)/HERO Sports FCS Freshman All-America Team (2020-21)/Phil Steele Co-Spring FCS Playoff MVP (2020-21)/All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First Team (2022)/All-Missouri Valley Football Conference Honorable Mention (2020-21)/MVFC All-Newcomer Team (2020-21)/MVFC Offensive Player of the Week (Oct. 1, 2022)/MVFC Newcomer of the Week (March 20, 2021)/MVFC Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award (2021)/MVFC Honor Roll (2020-21, 2021)/Team Captain (2023)
Season Viewed (yr)	2022, 2023
Games Watched	ILST (2022) IAUN (2022)
Scout Name / Date	Victor Horn, 10/17/2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	GP 14 ATT 249 YDS 1451 TD 15 LONG 47 AVG/A 5.8 AVG/G 103.6
2021	GP 7 ATT 95 YDS 701 TD 7 LONG 53 AVG/A 7.4 AVG/G 100.1
2020	GP 10 ATT 96 YDS 818 TD 10 LONG 85 AVG/A 8.5 AVG/G 81.8

Player Summary:

Davis has the body type of an average-size NFL RB, a four-year collegiate RB who has consistently put up productive numbers for the SDST offense. Has a stocky muscular frame with an appropriate limb/body ratio. For the last three years, the SDST offense has finished in rushing yards in the top three in the MVC (led the conference in rushing in 2020) as well as total offense in 2020 and 2021 with Davis playing a major contribution. Has marginal speed compared to the average NFL RB forty times, but does not possess blazing home run speed. More of an explosive and shifty RB especially when reaching the second level of defense. He has a solid posture in the backfield in pre-snap which is unidentifiable to the defense on reading pass or run. His running style is a patient slow read of the OL block, presses the hole, and explodes through the assigned hole. Displays adequate leverage when rushing high pad level approaching/running through a hole potentially giving the defender an accessible target. Decent foot movement upon contact from the defender, usually falling forward during the tackle. A solid pass catcher out of the backfield who poses a threat in one-on-one coverage; a quality route runner as an RB. Contains quality vision and has the ability to see the cutback in a timely manner especially when the pursuit is coming from peripheral angles. Marginal technique in terms of evading the defender when seeing daylight or in the open field doesn’t use the stiff arm enough for extra yardage or eluding tackle/potential tackle. Shown ability in carrying a high amount of rushes ensuring durability at the position. Sufficient pass protection abilities, good positioning of the body in front of the defender slowing him down willingness to give his body to protect QB. Busier feet are needed to sustain the block.

Scheme Fit:

Single style, Prostyle

Power Statement:

Davis is an in-between tackle, north and south patient runner. Tough, solid RB who can do well in cloud-in-the-dust yardage purposes. Improvement in pass pro, leverage, and defender engagement/potential engagement technique would provide a stronger upside to his game.