Recruiting Report: Jeremiah Davenport (2019)
Playing for arguably the most successful post grad program in the country has it’s perks and setbacks, and one that can be considered both is that you’re expected to win almost every game when you step on the floor. For Hargrave, they hosted the first annual Military Circuit and did not shy away from anyone, as they matched up with Mt. Zion out of Maryland the very first day.
While the 116-69 final score made it seem different, this was a highly anticipated game that Hargrave had just come prepared to win. Behind the play of senior Jeremiah Davenport, who finished with 16 points on 4-for-8 shooting from the field and 3-for-5 shooting from deep, Hargrave played with great intensity and were able to open the flood gates and win the game.
“We played as a unit, we came together, we knew the game plan going into this game,” Davenport said after beating Mt. Zion, ranked #8 in the country at the time. “They’r very talented, we knew they beat Brewster and IMG earlier this season, so coming into the game we knew we had to destroy and compete, and that’s what we did.”
One of the best available seniors in the country, the 6’7″ hybrid forward reminds me a little bit of a guy like Grant Williams over at Tennessee, the reigning SEC Player of the Year as just a sophomore. I’m not saying Davenport will do that, but he’s a guy who’s, traditionally, a little short to play the power forward position, but he’s explosive and strong and can shoot the three ball, making him a versatile guy that can play all over the court and create mismatches.
It isn’t just his skill set and size that’s impressive though, it’s also the leadership by example and amount of energy that he brings to the team that separates him from other guys.
“What I bring to the table I think is enthusiasm and energy to the team,” he said. “I feel like I get them started, I’ll get them started and my teammates will feed off of my energy and step their game up too.”
There were over 20 college coaches in the building on Friday and Saturday, and many of them were watching Davenport along with a host of other available post grad prospects. While Hargrave has about 10 kids with a chance to be a division one player, Davenport may have the highest ceiling and be the most recruited.
According to Verbal Commits, the Ohio native holds offers from mid major schools such as St. Bonaventure, Western Carolina, Wright State and Presbyterian, but the high majors are right there too. According to Davenport, some of the schools that have been in contact the most recently include UVA, NC State, Georgetown, Purdue, Iowa State and Loyola Chicago. He plans to talk with his family and start to map out his visits next month to see which ones are the most serious about him.
As far as what will be the determining factor, it will be a mix of things that make him feel at home.
“The coaching staff, the style of play and the college as far as academics and school wise will be the biggest things I consider.”
Coaches it’s not too late to get involved with Davenport, a great player and a great kid who embodies everything that Hargrave basketball has been so successful with in the past decade plus!