POWELL – Grayson Davis’ journey in football was almost stopped before it got started. He suffered a broken arm in youth football and stopped playing for a while.
But he couldn’t stay away. And now, the Olentangy Liberty senior running back couldn’t imagine his life without the sport.
A four-year letterwinner, Davis was a part of a state championship and is now a main player with the Patriots as they seek more postseason glory.
More than that, it’s the lessons he’s learned along the way that will carry him in the future.
“The biggest takeaway is how much football has taught me about life,” Davis said. “Obviously, I’ve grown a lot as a player. But I’ve grown even more as a person, like discipline and staying committed even when things get tough.”
Liberty is no stranger to dealing with adversity. The Patriots opened the season with three consecutive losses only to rebound.
They had a five-game winning streak snapped with a 12-6 loss to Hilliard Davidson on Oct. 16 and are 5-4 overall and 3-1 in OCC-Central Division play. The team has clinched a playoff berth, according to joeeitel.com.
Led by Davis, who has 767 yards rushing and nine touchdowns on 153 carries, Liberty can rebound again at Olentangy Orange on Oct. 23. A win would give the Patriots at least a share of the league title.
It’s the second consecutive season the Patriots have lost their first three games. In fact, other than their run to the state title in 2024, they have started 0-3 twice and turned it around both times, winning at least one playoff game both times by season’s end.
“There’s been a lot of ups and downs as a team,” Davis said. “I mean, my freshman year we didn’t have a winning record. My sophomore year, we turned it around and won a state championship. Those experiences taught me so many things.
“I think the relationships I’ve built and the memories with my teammates and my coaches … mean just as much as anything we’ve accomplished.”
Senior quarterback Alex Leonard is 76 of 127 passing for 861 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions. His main target is senior wide receiver Carter Nelson, who has 444 yards and six touchdowns on 22 receptions.
Senior linebacker Griffin Gardner has two interceptions and a fumble recovery on defense.
While Liberty’s response to a tough beginning is commendable, it’s not by design.
“We don’t plan on starting this way,” coach John Sansbury said. “But we do have a very tough schedule. We’ve had it for a long time.
“My job as head coach is to keep us focused on what’s important (and) that’s getting better for the next game,” he said. “(We) make sure we don’t get negative – both me as a coach (along with) our staff and our players. It can definitely turn quickly. Momentum is a thing.”
Davis has been a constant in Liberty’s lineup since he was thrust into action as a freshman. He was behind All-Ohio player Jake Struck, who now plays lacrosse at Ohio State.
Davis subbed in for Struck as he battled an injury. Since then, it’s been a slow build.
“(Davis) is the center of our offense,” Sansbury said. “He’s a good athlete, too. He can make you miss. He can run you over too. He’s a selfless, humble kid.
“He’s running a lot harder, (which started) the second half of his junior year and into this year. He’s definitely more physical – just running through people.”
Davis began playing football in the third grade. But a broken arm almost ended his career just as it was getting started.
He came back to it in the seventh grade because flag football was “boring.”
The injury didn’t derail him though. There were too many things he missed.
“Some of my best friendships come from football,” Davis said. “I fell in love with competition and, obviously, the physicality.
“But I always liked how everybody’s working for the same goal. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to take it more seriously.”
Davis is committed to play at Columbia University where he’ll pursue a degree in economics.
“I’m excited about competing at the next level while getting a great education,” Davis said. “It’s something that I’ve worked for for a long time.
“I’m just happy that I’ve gotten the support I’ve had throughout the way. And to just be able to play the game I love.”
