SIU running back D.J. Davis named preseason All-MVFC

CARBONDALE - Southern Illinois senior running back D.J. Davis was named to the preseason Missouri Valley Football Conference team, the league announced on Tuesday. He was selected in a poll of league coaches, media and sports information directors.

In 2018, Davis led the MVFC and ranked 14th in the nation in all-purpose yards per game (140.3). He rushed for 1,118 yards - the most by a Saluki running back since Jewel Hampton in 2011 - and averaged 6.28 yards per carry. With another thousand-yard season, he would move into the top five all-time in school history.

"D.J. is our best all-around offensive player," said SIU head coach Nick Hill. "More than that, he is an outstanding kid, an outstanding worker. D.J. models the way for our program."

Davis recorded six 100-yard rushing games, including a career-best 201 yards versus South Dakota State last year. He topped 100 yards in each of the first four games, including 172 on a season-high 35 carries versus SEMO. A multipurpose threat, he caught 29 passes for 201 yards and caught at least two passes in 10 games.