Gophers coach P.J. Fleck was in Philadelphia for the NFL Draft, where he helped celebrate with former Western Michigan receiver Corey Davis, who was the fifth player taken in the first round. I interviewed Davis, who was taken by Tennessee, before the draft. Here's an excerpt:
Q: What impact did P.J. have on your career?
"Coach Fleck was the only coach who believed in me, seeing as how I only had one [Division-I scholarship] offer coming out of high school. So he means a lot to me. He taught me a lot about this game, but more importantly, taught me a lot about being a man and how to handle life."
Q. How about Matt Simon [Gophers WR coach who coached Davis at Western Michigan]?
"He's a great person and a great coach as well. I know he comes from a very strong foundation. He talks about his father a lot and how he admired him, and I can see a lot of that in Coach Simon, just how he aspires to be like his father."
Q. Chris Bell [a Gophers incoming recruit this summer] is a receiver who has drawn some comparisons to you, when you were recruited. What's your take?
"I know a little bit about his game. I know he's got great talent, and he's got a chip on his shoulder, so I'm excited to see what he's going to do."
Q. Do you almost feel bad for all the receivers who'll be called "The Next Corey Davis?"
