Two WSSU athletes await chances in upcoming drafts

After achieving collegiate success on the court and the football field, junior Paul Davis and senior Chedrick Marshall are set to test their athletic talents for the professional leagues. 

Davis, a 6-9 power forward from Clio, S.C. has entered his name into the NBA's Draft, while Marshall, a 6-2    middle linebacker has entered his name into the NFL's Draft. 

A three-year standout on the Rams basketball team, Davis was the leading scorer this season with 317 points. He also led the team  making 58 percent  of his field goals. Davis was a top recruit of head coach Bobby Collins out of Marlboro County High School. 

"I chose to enter my name in the draft after sitting down and having a conversation with my coaching staff," Davis said. 

Davis grabbed a team-high 226 rebounds, recorded 22 steals and rejected 50 shots this year.  He is WSSU's leader in blocked shots. He was named to the All-Independent Men's Basketball Second-Team in March.

Davis said that working out with professional teams has not yet been discussed; however, according to Collins in a recent article of the Winston-Salem Journal, several scouts are expected to come to Wake Forest. Collins hopes Davis will be able to work out there.

"He's testing the waters and I told him anytime that you can have your name associated with the three letters like the NBA it's a good thing," Collins said.

When he arrived at WSSU, Davis weighed 170 pounds, but has since gained about 30 more pounds.  Despite the weight gain, Davis has not lost his  quickness according to Collins.    

"Entering the draft after my junior year is basically a test to see where I stand and what I need to improve on," Davis said. "My senior season has not been jeopardized by entering the NBA Draft. If I do not get picked up by a team, then I will have the opportunity to go back to school and finish out my last year on the collegiate level."

Davis has until May 8 to hire an agent or  remove his name and retain his college eligibility.  

However, Marshall has hired an agent. Marshall, was a four-year starter for the Rams, after red-shirting in 2005.  He appeared in all 11 games this season, making 10 starts.  

The former student of Dudley High School recorded 205 career tackles while at WSSU. Marshall, a native of Greensboro, also recorded 11 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and five pass break-ups during his collegiate career, under the direction of former Rams head coach, Kermit Blount.  

"He was always a leader for us, and provided strength on the defense for three and a half years," Blount said. "He has grown up over the past few years tremendously.  I'm hoping he gets a good shot at what he wants to do with the NFL. He's a deserving kid."

In March, the 237-pound Marshall participated in Pro Day at NC State, where he grabbed the attention of representatives from a couple of professional teams.  

"It's really early to tell if I'm going to get drafted," Marshall said.  

"But at Pro Day, the [Kansas City] Chiefs and the [Carolina] Panthers liked me.  They have expressed some interest for me and contacted my agent."

During Pro Day, Marshall clocked in a 40-yard dash time of 4.85 seconds, 25 reps with the 225-pound bench press, and 4.4 seconds in the shuttle run.  

He said that the teams are attempting to bring him into rookie mini-camp, which will occur after the NFL Draft.  Marshall is expected to graduate in May. 

The NFL Draft will occur in New York April 22-24.  The NBA Draft will also occur in New York June 24.