Austin Davis will be the heart and soul for Keys on defense from the middle linebacker position in 2023.

The VYPE Top 100 selection recorded a team-high 77 solo tackles as a junior and also helped on the offensive side of the ball as an H-back. He’s led Keys in tackles the past two seasons and also has three career interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries.

Davis hopes to get the Cougars back on track after a winless season last year under head coach Adam Hass. In 2020, the Cougars made a surprise run in the playoffs where they knocked off top-ranked Cascia Hall when Davis was a freshman.

“I want to have a successful senior season and grow closer with my teammates,” said Davis, who was a newcomer of the year as a freshman. “I want to make the playoffs, lead the team in tackles and get 100-plus solo tackles. I’ve gotten faster and stronger and have become a better leader.”

Davis points back to the upset win over Cascia Hall and a win over rival Sequoyah- Tahlequah during his sophomore year as standout highlights of his career.

“Most memorable sports moment would be beating Cascia Hall in 2020 who was ranked one or two in Class 2A in the second round of playoffs my freshman year, and another one would be beating our rival Sequoyah my sophomore year,” Davis said.

Davis’ biggest influence comes from within his family.

“My mom has been my biggest influence when it comes to football,” he said. “She’s taken off work to take me to games. She took me to all my practices until I was able to drive. If she isn’t able to make my games in person she watches them online. She’s definitely my biggest supporter when it comes to football.”