Ball State QB Davis to display talents for NFL combine scouts

Published 9:03 pm Saturday, February 21, 2009

Nate Davis is used to putting on a show in central Indiana. What’s one more?

The Ball State quarterback led the Cardinals to a 12-0 start last season and got a lot of looks from NFL scouts. None as close as the scrutiny he’ll be getting at the NFL combine.

‘‘I need to go and show my ability to throw the football,’’ the 6-foot-2, 226-pound Davis said Friday. ‘‘I’m trying to show myself off to all the NFL teams, just trying to find someone to fall in love with me.’’

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The Ohio native left the Cardinals a year early, shortly after coach Brady Hoke departed to take the job at San Diego State just before their final game. He’s still the schools career passing leader with 9,233 yards and 74 TD passes.

‘‘I accomplished everything I needed at Ball State. I had a great career, so I think it was the right decision,’’ he said. ‘‘It was time. Our head coach left, we lost a lot of key players. I think I made a great decision. Me and coach Hoke was very close. When he went to San Diego State, I still talked to him every day, just him giving me advice what I should do. So he was a big impact.’’

Last season, Davis threw for 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, and his quarterback rating was 13th in the nation.

Known for a strong and accurate throw, he said he’s been told he could go anywhere from the first through fourth rounds in the April 25-26 draft.

And he doesn’t have a preference — never did.

‘‘I never had a favorite team; I just loved watching football,’’ said Davis, from Bellaire, Ohio — Steelers country across the river from northern West Virginia. ‘‘I’m just trying to find one right now. I’d like to play for any team right now. I’m just trying to find that one.’’