Nov. 30, 2006
University of Illinois true-freshman cornerback Vontae Davis earned Freshman All-America first-team honors, announced today by Rivals.com. Davis made an immediate impact on the Illinois football program, starting at cornerback in his first collegiate season.
Davis finished the season with 52 tackles, an interception and six passes broken up. He played an integral role in Illinois' defensive improvement, which decreased its total yards given up by 160 per game from a year ago. Davis played the game of his career as he, and the entire Illini secondary, shut down No. 1 Ohio State's passing game, limiting quarterback Troy Smith to 108 passing yards and the dynamic duo of Anthony Gonzales and Ted Ginn to just two catches apiece.
Davis is among 16 true-freshmen to play for the Illini this season and will be one of 18 returning starters for the squad in 2007.
