Former De Anza Football Players Drafted into NFL

In the National Football League Draft of 2013, two former De Anza College football players were selected: Ty Powell, of Harding University and Will Davis, of Utah State University.

Listed as 6 feet, 5 inches and 249 pounds, Powell was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks as the 27th pick in the seventh round, and 231st overall.

During his time at De Anza, Powell was one of the team captains in 2010.

He played as a safety and won the Golden Gate Conference Defensive Player of the Year award in 2010.

He transferred to Harding University before the 2011 season. Powell is the first player to be drafted out of Harding University in the last 30 years.

The Seattle Seahawks drafted Powell as a pass rushing outside linebacker.

Listed as 5 feet 11 inches and 186 pounds, Davis was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the as the 31st pick in the third round, and overall 93rd.

He played as a cornerback in college.

While playing at De Anza, Davis earned first team All-Golden State Conference after posting eight interceptions, returning for two touchdowns.

Davis was also a team captain while he played on De Anza’s football team.

After the 2010 season, Davis transferred to Utah State University.

“They both were really good academically and both were always great athletics,”  said De Anza football head coach Dan Atencio, who had watched
the draft.

“They were great in their videos but they have always been that great,” he said.

“The whole time they were at De Anza they were just that good.”

This is the first time in De Anza history that two players got drafted into the NFL in the same year.

Atencio watched the draft and kept up with what was going on.

“It was very exciting to see them get drafted. I have texted with Powell back and forth but have yet to get in contact with Davis,” he said.

Both Powell and Davis were with their families in front of the television waiting to get that one call that would change their lives.

For now, they will spend a few more weeks at home before heading out to their future teams, lives and careers.

“I just hope they don’t forget their education. I’m being such a teacher right now,” said Atencio.

“But it’s true. Also, they need to remember behavior is huge in the NFL. Whatever you have going on, leave it behind and stay focused.”

Atencio talked about current players at De Anza and those after the two NFL stars.

“The talent level keeps going up in all aspects,” he said. “The better we become, the better the academics. I tell all the new players we are an academic school, don’t think it’s going to be easy around here.

“You have to be ready to put the work in, no easy grades around here,” he said.

Powell and Davis will be ready to start training camp with their new teams within weeks.