Basketball signee eyes potential football career

NEW ALBANY | Ole Miss assistant basketball coach Bill Armstrong once told Terence Davis he could play a year of football once his basketball eligibility expired.

After a dazzling performance at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star event and some time to reflect on his future, Davis is thinking about expediting his time on the gridiron.

The Southaven standout is the No. 127 basketball prospect in the nation, but his 6-foot-4 frame and athleticism make him an ideal wide receiver. He thought his football career might be over until he earned top performers everyday during the all-star week and also caught a touchdown in the game.

"Yeah, I actually think I don't want to give (football) up," Davis said. "It's a blessing God has given me, so I don't know his plan for me yet, but if he's showing me this I think it might be playing football, playing both."

He's signed in basketball, but he would have to, by rule, use a football scholarship if he played with the Rebels immediately. Davis hasn't talked to the Rebels football staff in depth, but he understands he can approach that decision once he gets on campus. He's received word the football coaches "would discuss things with basketball and see what's up."

Davis was widely thought to be Mississippi's best receiver that week in Montgomery, Alabama, and some of the accolades even surprised him. In practice, he routinely caught passes one-handed and went over smaller defenders.

"I didn't know what I would do out there, and I didn't know I could compete with the top guys in the state," Davis said. "Actually all the coaches and players told me I must be a heck of a basketball player because I was one great football player. One coach told me football could make me set while basketball just pays for my college. That got to me. It's on my mind often."

Southaven (14-7) lost 66-34 to Mississippi No. 2 Velma Jackson on Saturday, but Davis scored 24 points and found ways to maneuver against an 19-2 team that has only lost to Callaway (Miss.) and Memphis Southwind.

He talks to Andy Kennedy "everyday or every other day" and spoke with him prior to the Rebels' one-point win over Florida.

"We talk often, and I'm excited for my basketball opportunity there," Davis said. "I'm very fortunate to be in this position, and I want to make the best possible decision for my future."