For the Record

On Oct. 14, Jesuit High School's Malik Davis '17 broke two of the most recognized and revered prep sports records in Hillsborough County annals, for career rushing yards and career rushing touchdowns.

Wednesday (Oct. 26) at Convocation, Davis was honored before the student body for his historic achievements. School president Fr. Richard C. Hermes, S.J. presented Davis with a special commemorative football, praising Davis for his hard work and humble persona before handing him the game ball designed by Jesuit student artist Justin Sanchez '17, which recognized Davis' 5,783 rushing yards and 71 rushing touchdowns.

Then Davis made a special announcement. Before family and friends, as well as numeorus local media outlets, Davis announced his college commitment to the University of Florida. The student body, which already had erupted in applause when he received the commemorative ball, did so again.

Davis' commitment to Florida comes 47 years after Leonard George '69, who had helped Jesuit win a football state championship in 1968, became the first African-American scholarship football player at the University of Florida. Last season, Davis broke George's Jesuit school record for rushing touchdowns in a single season with 28. Now he will follow in George's footsteps to Gainesville.

Davis thanked God, his family, his Jesuit teammates, coaches and teachers, and then was interviewed by the media, including the Tampa Bay Times, Bright House Sports Network, WTVT-FOX 13, WFLA-NBC Ch. 8, and Rivals.com.

Click below for video of Wednesday's ceremony, and below that for a photo slideshow: