LAFAYETTE, LA. (KLFY) -- Bill Davis, a standout running back from Louisiana, has made a name for himself with his explosive and durable playing style. Known as 'The Billdozer,' Davis' journey from Riverside Academy in Reserve to becoming a featured back with the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns .

Davis' high school career at Riverside Academy was marked by significant challenges and achievements. He played against notable opponents like Arch Manning and faced challenges due to Hurricane Ida, which affected his junior year. Despite these setbacks, Davis's performance on the field earned him college offers from Louisiana, Vanderbilt, and Tulane among others.

"I know a lot of people, when they hear Riverside, they might think it's in New Orleans, but it's actually in Reserve," Davis said, highlighting his alma mater while growing up in LaPlace.

During Davis' freshman year of high school football, he saw limited playing time, but his dedication and hard work paid off as he continued to develop his skills.

"I didn't really see much playing time. But, you know, when I did, you know, I did my best to play," Davis said.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty to his sophomore year, but Davis remained committed to his training.

"My running backs coach, Dre Washington, you know, we just kept working out at the park," Davis said. This dedication led to a breakout sophomore season alongside teammate Gage Larvadain.

Hurricane Ida brought obstacles to Davis' junior year, causing missed games and impacting the team's playoff chances.

"We missed like three games, you know, just because everything was like messed up in our area in LaPlace," Davis explained.

Under the guidance of new head coach Lee Roussel, Davis' senior year saw a cultural shift in the program.

"He really got me ready for college," Davis said, crediting Roussel with instilling discipline and preparation.

Davis's nickname 'The Billdozer' emerged unexpectedly, as he recalled seeing it on Twitter while at the movie theater.

"I like it...I remember seeing that first one on Twitter. Somebody said, I don't really remember who," Davis shared.

Inspired by his favorite LSU running back Leonard Fournette, Davis has worn the number 7 throughout his career, except for his freshman year at Riverside Academy. "When I played biddy football for the Saint John Heat, they used to call me Baby Fournette," Davis said, reflecting on his early influences.

Bill Davis's journey from high school standout to college football player is marked by perseverance and growth. Whether known as 'The Billdozer' or 'Baby Fournette,' Davis continues to build his legacy with each carry for the Cajuns, embodying the resilience and determination that has defined his career.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KLFY. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KLFY staff before being published.

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