Trust the Process: Domonique Davis II’s Journey to Leadership and Legacy at Central State

For Domonique Davis II, success on the field is the result of discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to growth. After a standout season that included All-American honors and a trip to the HBCU Legacy Bowl, Davis has emerged as both a defensive force and a respected leader for the Marauders. In this conversation, he reflects on his journey, the lessons learned through adversity and what it truly means to trust the process.

Q: As a senior leader, how do you approach motivating your teammates during tough games this season?
A: It’s about staying confident and composed in tight moments, especially in close games down to the wire. You don’t want to be the type of leader whose emotions spill over and affect everyone else. If your teammates see you losing control, everything can fall apart. You have to be the one who calms everyone down and reminds them: We’re going to win this game—we just have to go get it.

Q: What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from your time in college football—the highs and the lows?
A: I’d say, “Be patient.” Be patient with everything and trust the process. The grass isn’t always greener. Coming back from the HBCU Legacy Bowl, I met a lot of players with different journeys. I talked to some Division I guys, and not every school has what we have. Sometimes people here complain, but when you hear other perspectives, you realize how much you should appreciate. That’s been the biggest lesson—being grateful and patient. Your time may not come right away, but there’s a reason for everything.

Q: You began your college career at Lenoir-Rhyne before transferring to Central State. What motivated that transition, and how did you trust your process?
A: Leaving Lenoir-Rhyne, I was ready, but I didn’t know where I’d end up. That was nerve-wracking. I didn’t want to spend four years behind an All-American—I wanted to make a name for myself. I knew someone who came to Central State, and that connection helped bring me here. Being around familiar faces gave me confidence, but I already believed in myself.

I focused on consistency—showing up early, putting in extra work, sitting in the front of the classroom. That mindset carried me through the spring and into the 2023 season. I worked hard every day, and once the season came, everything just came together.

Q: You’ve had a standout season—more than 110 tackles, multiple takeaways and touchdowns. What was your mindset during those game-changing moments?
A: I have to credit Coach Tony Carter, Coach McCray and the staff. That wasn’t always my game—I used to focus on disrupting the backfield. But with the new defensive scheme, I adapted. My mindset became: take the ball away and score. Any way we can get points—that’s the goal.

Q: Which players have influenced your game?
A: In the NFL, I look up to versatile linebackers like Fred Warner and Roquan Smith. At Central, I wanted to follow the legacy of guys like Hugh Douglas and Ivan “the Terrible” Seahorn. I wanted to carry on what they started and leave my own mark.

Q: You’ve earned All-American honors, competed in the Legacy Bowl and were named Defensive Player of the Year. What does that mean to you?
A: It means everything. At Central State, moments like this don’t happen often. I believe I’m the first Defensive Player of the Year in the SIAC era here. That’s major because now others can see it’s possible. We should aim to have players reach that level every year—not just one every few years, but multiple players representing Central consistently.

Q: What is the path to reaching that level, and what advice would you give younger players?
A: I had to grow as a person—become more humble and a better leader. I learned to fall in love with the process, something Dr. Corey Owens really emphasized.

It’s about how you show up every day—how you approach practice, the classroom, workouts, even how you carry yourself off the field. If you fall in love with that daily process, everything else will come.

Q: What might surprise fans about you off the field?
A: Honestly, nothing too flashy. I don’t party, drink or smoke. I watch film, get rest and prepare for games. I’m just focused. I’m from Atlanta, though—that might surprise some people.

Q: How has your journey—from Atlanta to becoming a leader in Central State football—shaped you?
A: I’m from Cedar Grove High School, where opportunities can be limited. You either go down one path or find a way out through something like sports. I was fortunate to earn a scholarship and be here. Now that I’ve done it, others should see it’s possible for them, too.

Q: What are your goals moving forward?
A: I want a shot at playing professionally. I feel like I’ve accomplished what I wanted in college, so now it’s about reaching that next level.

Image

Q: What was your experience like at the HBCU Legacy Bowl?
A: It was incredible—great hospitality, great competition. Being around top players from the SWAC, SIAC, CIAA and MEAC was amazing. We competed hard every day, and the game itself was unforgettable. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: My teammates push me every day, especially when I’m tired. And my parents—seeing everything they’ve overcome motivates me to keep going.

Q: What is something you want readers to know about you?
A: I want them to understand my journey—what I’ve overcome, including injuries. Those moments shaped me.

Q: Speaking of that, how did you navigate returning from injury and still have a standout season?
A: It was tough. I had doubts, especially dealing with the same injury in back-to-back years. It was one of the lowest points in my life.

But I trusted the process, trusted God and kept working. I stopped worrying about whether I’d be the same player and focused on getting better every day. In the end, it all worked out.