By Andy Warrener
The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent
Two members of Carrollwood Day School (CDS) football’s prolific offense made their college plans official on National Signing Day Feb. 6.
Running back Robert Davis signed with Division I University of Memphis, choosing the Mustangs out of four other schools, while quarterback Vidal Woodruff picked NAIA Bethel College in Kansas.
Davis, who attended Freedom as a freshman where he didn’t play football, broke Hillsborough County’s career rushing record by piling up 5,576 yards while adding 66 touchdowns during his three years at CDS.
Davis also piled up a single-season program record 2,221 yards as a senior to help the Patriots win their first district championship in program history. He was named The Laker/Lutz News Football Player of the Year following the campaign.
Davis said CDS’ academics are the big reason he chose to attend the private school.
“I could have worn a jersey and helmet for any school,” Davis said. “CDS had more complete academics, and for me it was more an issue of what colleges are going to look at on paper.”
Davis boasts a 3.5 grade point average and a 1310 SAT score. He plans to major in business marketing and already has high hopes for the 2013 football season.
“I connected with the guys on campus,” Davis said. “It’s (Memphis) where I saw myself in the future.”
Woodruff had a rocky road to earning his scholarship.
He was dismissed from Robinson’s squad after starting as a junior. Woodruff couldn’t transfer to another public school and still play his senior year, so he elected to home-school and play for CDS.
“He (Woodruff) could have gone to any other private school in the area, but he chose CDS and we thank him for that,” said Patriots coach Lane McLaughlin.
Woodruff’s 25 touchdowns and 137 passing yards per game added the passing option to take defenders away from swarming Davis.
“When I left Robinson I felt tense, like I might not make it,” Woodruff said. “My stock was falling. I knew I just had to keep faith. The CDS team is what got me here.”
