Billy Davis (1991) - Southern Miss M-Club Hall of Fame

Billy Davis

Induction:
1991

When you think of the notable linebackers that have played at the University of Southern Mississippi who can add the name of Bill Davis to that roster. Linebackers by definition are the hardest hitters on the team, guys that punish ball carriers who try to race the length of the field for a touchdown, decapitate receivers who come across the middle into their territory and celebrate in delight when they record a sack of the hated quarterback.
   Bill Davis was that type of linebacker. Add that to a fierce love of the game of football and it is easy to see why his name is always mentioned when you talk about some of the defensive greats for the Golden Eagles.
   Bill came to the University of Southern Mississippi as a highly touted player out of Mobile’s Vigor High School. As a sophomore he saw quite a bit of action at both linebacker and on the special teams, helping the team to a 6-4 record, and being a part of the nation’s No. 1 defense giving up only 163.7 yards per game and 10.3 points per contest.
   But like many of us at that age Bill did not quite have his priorities in the order that his coaches and the University thought that he should and he got headed in the wrong direction. But it is at that point that I think the real story of Bill Davis begins.
   He finally realized that he must get himself straightened out and back on the right road. His method of doing that has him joining the service, which he did serving for two years and it was during that time I think Bill will admit that he grew up. And drawing on the lessons learned from his father, the Mayor of Chickasaw, Ala. and USM Coach P.W. Underwood, Bill turned things around. Bill kept in touch with Coach Underwood and asked for another chance. So after his two years in the service, he returned to the University of Southern Mississippi, realizing how important a college education was, but also with a burning passion to continue his football career.
   And unlike many stories like this— the Bill Davis story has a happy ending. Because Bill turned in two magnificent years at linebacker for the Golden Eagles, starting both seasons and leading the team in tackles both years, and intercepting four passes, including three during the 1970 season. Bill was selected as a second team all-South Independent selection following the 1970 campaign.