Matt Moore
Jarvis Williams and Darrell Davis are known on campus as two of the football team’s top threats at wide receiver. However, these two redshirt sophomores also contributed to N.C. State’s basketball team two seasons ago. Clayton Beard, this season’s sophomore walk-on tight end, also put in time for coach Sidney Lowe on the basketball team in the 2007-08 season.
Davis, recruited to play football, later decided to walk-on to the basketball team his freshman year, while keeping his commitment to playing football.
“After I signed for football, I decided I had interest in walking onto the basketball team too. Conditioning for basketball and football are two totally different things, but I was ready to give it a shot,” Davis said.
According to Williams, playing basketball helped him improve his skills on the football field, where his height gives him more of an advantage.
“Jumping ability, footwork, learning to work through fatigue, and speed are all aspects of both games. Being a multi-sport athlete was demanding but definitely worth the experience,” Williams said.
Beard said playing basketball helped him develop his commitment as a walk-on and build upon his athleticism.
“Through playing basketball, I learned the discipline needed as an athlete on and off the court. I also found basketball to help better prepare me for walking on this year for football in physical aspects as well. My agility, speed, and jumping ability have all contributed,” Beard said.
All three players agreed the mental approach to football differs from basketball. Even though both sports seem physical, the mentality for each is different.
“In football, I have to be more aware of who I have in front of me. It is also more of a team sport and consistency is crucial,” Williams said. “In basketball, I could make my own play and break down the defense easier some of the time.”
According to Beard, the size and athleticism of the competition also varies from the hardwood to the gridiron.
“When you’re on the field and you have a three hundred pound guy coming for you, it’s definitely a different feeling. Regardless, you have to learn to be mentally tough — in both sports — to be successful.” Beard said.
The three athletes feel being apart of the basketball team was a positive experience for them, but the football fan base creates a different atmosphere.
“It’s all about the tradition and fans. There is no feeling like Saturdays,” Davis said. “Being apart of an ACC football program is awesome. I come out onto the field with goose bumps and get butterflies when I see and hear the crowd.”
As a recently added walk-on this fall, Beard — who came to play basketball originally — found an interest in football this year.
“With football, we have a new coach and new direction. I am excited to see what the future holds for us. If we keep working hard and can obey what the coaches ask of us, we are bound for success,” Beard said.
Even though they all play different roles, the three players see themselves impacting the football program positively.
“A lot of my family grew up playing football. I just want my play to be a positive influence on someone’s life,” Davis said.
Williams finds his role to be more action-based on the football field.
“I just do what I need to do, and get the job done,” Williams said. “I just want to keep the fans going and do what coaches ask.”
As a walk-on, Beard said he feels his role is about bringing his “best to practice.”
“At this point it’s not about playing time — it’s about doing what the coaches ask and just working hard. Everyone starts at the bottom and works their way up,” Beard said. “My job is to bring my best to practice whether it is just for the scout team or if I get in for a couple snaps.”