Davanta Reynolds, DB, North Carolina Central University 2019 NFL Draft

NCCU CAREER (2015-18)
Two-time First Team All-MEAC honoree. Named as a 2017 Associated Press FCS All-American and 2018 STATS FCS All-American. Wrapped up stellar collegiate career with 208 tackles, 19.5 stops for a loss, 10 interceptions, 10 pass break-ups, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. Scored 3 career touchdowns – 2 by interceptions and another via a fumble recovery, which was featured on ESPN as a Top-10 Play. Started as a safety in 44 games.

2018 – REDSHIRT SENIOR SEASON
Started all 11 games at safety. Repeat selection as an All-MEAC First Team honoree. Named to STATS FCS All-America Team as a member of the third team. Finished fourth in the MEAC in tackles with a team-high 83 takedowns, including 8.5 hits for a loss with a sack, two interceptions, two pass break-ups and a fumble recovery. Recorded career-best 12 tackles in a game twice – versus Howard (Oct. 6) and at Bethune-Cookman (Nov. 8). Registered 4.5 hits for a loss at Bethune-Cookman (Nov. 8) to earn MEAC Defensive Player of the Week award. Voted Preseason MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. Announced to STATS FCS Preseason All-America Team (Second Team), HBCU Gameday Preseason FCS All-America Team (First Team), and BOXTOROW Preseason HBCU All-America Team. Named to the Black College Football Hall of Fame 2018 Watch List for Black College Football Player of the Year Award. 

2017 – REDSHIRT JUNIOR SEASON
Started 10 games at safety. Voted First-Team All-MEAC. Named Associated Press FCS All-American as a member of the Third Team. Announced to 11th annual BOXTOROW All-America Team, honoring the top 29 players in HBCU football. Tied for second in the nation (FCS) with conference-high 6 interceptions for 141 return yards and a touchdown (31-yard TD), while also returning a fumble 85 yards for a touchdown (featured on ESPN Top-10 Plays). Tallied 54 tackles (35 solo), including 2.5 stops for a loss with a sack, along with a forced fumble and a pass break-up.

2016 – REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE SEASON
Started all 12 games at safety. Collected 38 total tackles (24 solo), including 5.0 hits for a loss, and 2 pass break-ups. Recorded season-high 8 tackles three times – at Duke (Sept. 3), at Norfolk State (Sept. 24) and versus nationally-ranked North Carolina A&T (Nov. 19) with 2.5 stops for a loss. Voted to Preseason All-MEAC Second Team.

2015 – REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON
Started all 11 games in 2015. Ranked ninth on the team with 33 tackles (20 solo), including 3.5 hits for a loss. Placed third on the squad with seven passes defended (two interceptions for 27 yards and a touchdown, five pass break-ups). Forced two fumbles. Collected season-high six tackles (four solo) and a pass break-up at Duke (Sept. 12). Recorded five tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception at Florida A&M (Oct. 10). Tallied four solo tackles, a pass break-up and an interception returned 27 yards for a touchdown at Howard (Nov. 14). Posted five tackles, including an unassisted stop for a loss, and two pass break-ups vs. Morgan State (Oct. 24).

2014 – FRESHMAN SEASON
Practiced but did not play for the Eagles during redshirt season.

TUCKER (GA.) HIGH SCHOOL:
Ranked as a two-star cornerback prospect by Rivals.com. Team posted 14-1 record with only loss in 2013 Georgia 5A state championship game. Also lettered in basketball as a point guard, earning all-region honors.

PERSONAL:
Born August 1, 1996 in Indianola, Mississippi.  Parents are Anthony and Tamekia Smith. Major at NCCU is psychology.

Reynolds did not have D1 size while attending Tucker High School, in Tucker, Georgia. He eventually grew into his body and developed into a very sound and defensive back for the Eagles at North Carolina Central University.

The two-time First Team All-MEAC honoree became one of the best players in the conference (MEAC), which coincided as an emerging star for the Eagles. He was the quarterback of the defense and was an interchangeable player who can played many roles in the Eagles 4-2-5 defensive scheme. 

Reynolds versatility and studious desire to devour film has helped him gravitate towards being one of the top small-school defensive backs available in the 2019 NFL Draft. He is a high-character team leader, who shows up in all phases when on the playing field. He can hit, cover and make plays.

He should get a little more notice this spring with former South Carolina State linebacker Darius Leonard being named the 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the second-round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Reynolds also played against Tarik Cohen of the Chicago Bears another MEAC standout via North Carolina A&T.