Davis looks to impress scouts

The Vols' reserve tailback is hoping to play a feature role for the East squad in the game (TV: ESPN2, 7 p.m.) after spending most of last season on the bench. Center Jason Respert and receiver Tony Brown are the other Tennessee players on the East team.

Both Respert and Brown have a draftable NFL grade, having started throughout the season. Davis, however, needs a strong showing to improve his chances of being drafted late or signing as a free agent.

"I had three pretty good years at Tennessee, but my senior year it just didn't happen,'' said the 6-foot-0, 235-pound Davis, who was academically ineligible for the Cotton Bowl in what would have been his last game for the Vols. "Gerald Riggs and Ced (Houston) had a pretty good rhythm going last season, and once you get that going, you don't want to break it. It's hard to get three running backs in a game.''

Davis came to the Vols as a Parade All-American and played immediately as a fullback his freshman season. He finished his career at tailback. He rushed for 587 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, and tacked on another 565 yards and eight touchdowns his junior season.

Davis declined the chance to move to fullback heading into his senior year, and new running backs coach Trooper Taylor dramatically decreased his playing time. As a senior, Davis had 18 carries for 34 yards and two touchdowns.

"It was hard not playing more every week,'' said Davis, twice named during his career as the SEC's offensive player of the week. "But as long as the team was going good and we were winning and everyone was happy, I wasn't going to let it be a problem.''

Davis' attitude was rewarded when UT coach Phillip Fulmer helped place him in the all-star game in Hawaii.

"We're real proud of the attitude and work ethic Jabari had since he's been here,'' Fulmer said. "The past year was tough on him. He was in a tough situation. I worked to get him in the all-star game, using film from his previous years.

"My hope is he takes advantage of it and has a great game.''

Davis said he's been getting a good deal of work in practice, competing in the backfield with Ohio State's Lydell Ross, Troy's DeWhitt Betterson and Michigan State's DeAndra' Cobb.

"My legs feel real fresh, I'm strong, and I'm ready to go,'' Davis said. "It's just a blessing to be out here and have this opportunity.''

More Vol-Stars: UT receiver Derrick Tinsley and return man/defensive back Corey Larkins will play in the Las Vegas All-American Classic all-star game today at 4 p.m. on Fox Sports Net.

Tennessee will continue to be represented next Saturday in the Senior Bowl (4 p.m., ESPN2) when tailback Cedric Houston, linebacker Kevin Burnett and punter Dustin Colquitt compete for the South team in Mobile, Ala. Offensive tackle Michael Munoz will be on the sideline but is not expected to play.