Troy Davis, who engineered the Cyclones 36-21 victory over Ohio, has already begun keeping his promise of being an exceptional running back. Davis is the Daily’s Cyclone Profile player of the week.

After setting the Cyclone single game rushing record with 291 yards on 40 carries and three touchdowns, this week Davis was rewarded Big Eight Offensive Player of the Week honors. Davis’ single game record was the 13th best rushing performance in Big Eight history.

“Troy Davis was sensational. That’s what he does every day at practice. He didn’t surprise us a bit. He’s got a great chance to be really an outstanding running back. TD was hot. We knew it, and we kept giving him the ball,” said Dan McCarney, ISU head football coach.

Davis gives credit for his performance to his offensive line.

“All the credit goes to the line. I don’t know if I could have done this last year because this year’s offensive line is better than last year’s offensive line,” Davis said.

Davis, who hails from Miami, Florida, was named the USA Today 1993 Prep Football Player of the Year in Florida after his record setting senior season at Dade County High. When Davis’s high school career was over, he had become the all-time single season rushing leader in Miami history with 2,234 yards and 34 touchdowns while averaging nine yards a carry. Davis was also the first running back in Miami area history to break the 2,000 yard barrier.

Davis showed flashes of brilliance in his limited time during his freshman season under former ISU head coach Jim Walden. Last season Davis claimed his first ISU record by returning a Colorado kickoff for 99 yards. Against Rice University, Davis led the ‘Clones in rushing with 74 yards on eight carries, including runs of 28, 11 and 33 yards.

Davis will now set his sights on the Texas Christian defense. The Cyclones will travel to Fort Worth to take on the Horned Frogs this Saturday. Game time is 7 p.m.