In their classic song about choosing fight over flight, Runnin’, The Pharcyde rap that you “can’t keep running away”.
Being they were a bit before his time, 25-year-old Dominic Davis likely never listened to the legendary hip-hop group from his hometown of Los Angeles, Calif.
And that’s probably a good thing, because even though Runnin’ is a positive message about standing up for oneself, everywhere Davis has gotten has come from running. Away from linemen, away from defensive backs, away from the starting blocks.
And now he’s run right into training camp at The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium where he hopes his blazing speed will help him land a spot on the Elks.
TRANSACTIONS | We've signed 🇺🇸 wide receivers Ka’Ron Ashley and Dominic Davis.
Release Scott Crough (K), Nih-Jer Jackson (WR) and Josh Simmons (WR).
Details | https://t.co/xIarsJyEuX pic.twitter.com/pZDbuIZ3X9
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) May 19, 2022
Davis, a product of Pac-12 powerhouse USC, was signed by the Elks and made his camp debut on Thursday. The versatile speedster, who played wideout, tailback, and cornerback while also sprinting for the track and field team USC, is looking to make the cut with Edmonton at wide receiver.
“The thing is, you can’t teach speed,” Davis says. “You can teach somebody how to play receiver but you can’t teach them to run away from somebody. I’m just glad I never lost that.”
Having just arrived in Edmonton on Wednesday, Davis is brand new to the CFL, though feels the Canadian game is made for him.
“I’m just trying to be a sponge, soaking everything up,” he said after his first practice. “I’m just glad to be on a big field, to be able to make plays.”
Davis appeared in 38 games over four seasons at USC from 2015 to 2019 (redshirting in 2017). He totalled 216 yards rushing and 121 yards receiving. Against Arizona in 2016 he broke off an 85-yard run that was the longest by a Trojans player in 20 years. Earlier that year he set a USC freshman indoor track and field record, with a time of 6.78 seconds in the 60 metres.
“I kind of just went to track for football, just to be as fast as I could,” says the five-foot-nine Davis. “I know I’m not 6-2 or 6-3, so when you-’re my size, it’s got to be a (40-yard time of) 4.3, 4.4 (seconds).”
Whether on the track or the gridiron, Davis had the same motivation. It’s the one thing he won’t run from, and exactly what he finds himself facing with the Elks as he looks to earn a roster spot.
“I just like to compete, so wherever the competition is, I’m just a competitor by nature,” Davis says.