There wasn’t just a quarterback running things under center over at DeRidder last year; there was a bona fide gunslinger.
That single word tells you everything you need to know about Tanner Davis better than 1,000 well-crafted words from a gifted football scholar (good thing too, because I’m not that). He’s a courageous, talented passer with a howitzer strapped to his shoulder and no fear of making a mistake. While that comes with its downsides, it also comes with a heightened ability to make spectacular throws that will leave your jaw on the floor.
Everything about Tanner begins with this arm talent, and boy, what a talented arm it is. He can make any throw on the field, deliver it accurately, and perhaps most importantly, do it off platform. His arm is so strong that he can throw off his back foot and still deliver the deep ball accurately, leading to explosive play after explosive play through the air. His highlight reel is filled to the brim with him connecting with Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game Player Uriah Wade, who broke records at DeRidder averaging 25 yards a catch this season. Wade would burn whichever poor corner was tasked with defending him, and Davis would throw the ball up and put it in a place where Wade was the only guy who could get to the ball. It was an awesome connection this season that made Wade a 1,000 yard receiver on the year. There was a level of trust between the two that was remarkable at this level. Many of Tanner’s more “controversial” throws (owing to his risk taking nature) were examples of him throwing it deep and trusting that Uriah would come down with it and beat his man. Therefore, even though many of Tanner’s throws might have seemed risky on the surface, there was a level of calculation to the risk, and it usually worked out for him.
Ultimately, that risk taking nature is what makes a quarterback a gunslinger. You have to be willing to take risks if you want to make plays, and Tanner is a real playmaker when throwing the ball. That being said, he’s still willing to take the check down when it’s there. He has showcased solid accuracy at all areas of the field, not just on the deep ball. He can put it right on his guy from 5 yards away when necessary. He plays very similarly to his own inspiration on the football field, Brett Favre: wanting to make the big play at all times, but still capable to make whatever throw is needed.
Tanner isn’t huge, but he plays a lot bigger than his (already reasonable) size. He’s 6’0″ 205, which is big enough to play QB at the next level, but he’s densely built, which helps supply the power for his amazing arm. He’s a real pocket passer: you won’t see him beat people with his legs particularly often. However, he has the toughness to be willing to stick his face in the fan and run for that first down when necessary. He’s also proven to take things as seriously off the field as he does on the field, as he has a 3.3 GPA. He doesn’t have any offers yet, but whoever does give him that chance to play at the next level will be happy they did.
Check out Tanner’s highlights here!
What was your first experience with football? What got you into the game?
My first experience was playing with my friends at recess. What got me into the game was watching college and pro football with family – I knew I wanted to do that one day.
What is your favorite football memory?
My junior year, I threw my first touchdown to my best friend. I felt so much joy and excitement.
What is your biggest strength on the field?
My arm talent and how competitive I am.
Which NFL or college player do you try to model your game after?
Brett Favre.
What has been your biggest improvement to your game over the last year?
My speed and pocket movement.
What has the recruiting process been like for you so far?
It was a little rough at first but it’s progressively getting better.
What have you been doing outside of practice to improve your game?
Lifting weights and throwing the football with my peers.
*We are about to begin the 2025 Gridiron Football Season and if you are a player that wants to be a part of the 2025 Gridiron Football Junior High All-American Bowl Game or the 2025 Gridiron Football Senior All-American Bowl Game, you must be at our events to be considered for the game. This will apply especially to Louisiana athletes since we have growing interest from outside the state. We are inviting top performers from our 7v7 tournaments, our elite camps, and finally, our Gridiron Football Media Day. We already have our first 7v7 tournament and two elite camps posted below. To register, you can click any of the pictures below!
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