Landis Davila brings championship mentality to freshman year at State
Expectations could not have been any higher for the Farragut Admiral baseball program this season yet, somehow, the team exceeded them.
Landis Davila and teammate Lukas Buckner were two of the players that have been a part of helping continue the dynasty in Knoxville and fellow Mississippi State signee Cade O’Leary joined the cause this season. All three had a year to remember and it ended with yet another state championship for the school.
“I just think it was a relief,” Davila said of the state title. “We had so many expectations being back-to-back champs and had so many guys playing college ball. Now that the season is over, I look back at it and it was really impressive.”
Davila was a First-Team All-District 4-4A member along with Buckner and O’Leary, but Davila stood alone as the MVP of the division. A former Virginia Tech commitment, Davila opted out of his pledge to the Hokies and he joined the State signing class back last November.
At 6’3, 205 pounds and a background of playing football for the Admirals, Davila is physical and athletic in the outfield. The Diamond Dawg coaching staff led by Chris Lemonis liked what they saw in his offseason last year and wanted him to join the class.
With relationships already with his two teammates as well as fellow eXposure baseball teammate Henry Allen, all Davila needed to do was see the sights in Starkville and he was sold.
“Going into it, I knew about four or five guys going there. Then I got there and met coach Lemonis, (Kyle Chesebrough) and (Jake Gautreau) and they treated me so well,” Davila said of the State staff. “Everybody at the restaurants were supportive and I thought it was like a parade for baseball players the way we were treated.
“Going to MSU, it’s six hours from home and playing with those guys makes it so much more comforting.”
Davila prides himself in his work at the plate as well as his defense in the outfield and it could have him contending for playing time right away if he does his job.
The talented centerfielder has already begun preparations to do just that as he and his freshman teammates moved in last week. Now, the real work begins.
“I’m really excited to use the facilities, that place is sweet,” Davila said. “I think I can compete with any player out there. That’s one of the best parts of my game and that’s what everyone wants to do on this level. I will compete at the highest level and bring a lot of skill to the plate and defensively. I’m ready to show that.”
