CLEVELAND — The adjustment from Copiah-Lincoln Community College to Delta State University hasn’t been too difficult for defensive back Jeremy Davis.

The former Natchez High School standout has seen significant playing time for the Statesmen (3-2, 2-1) this season, and he’s made the most of his opportunities. Through five games, Davis has nine solo tackles, four assists, two pass deflections and two interceptions.

“Basically, I’m playing like I’m at Co-Lin,” Davis explained. “It’s just different teams I’m going up against and new people I have to meet.”

And Davis said he’s enjoying being in Cleveland and getting to know people he’s never met before.

“It’s different, but it’s good to meet people from different places and learn their personality types, how they play and have them learn how I play,” Davis said.

Davis’ playing time has been a result of hard work during the summer training period and making big plays during scrimmages leading up to the start of the season, he said.

“The coaches like what I’ve done,” Davis said. “They like how good I can cover and how I make ‘effort plays.’ I’m just out there running and doing the little things.”

Summer workouts were especially tough and unlike anything he’s ever been put through before, Davis said.

“The tempo is bad, but it’s good,” he said. “You have to be in shape to do it. The running is quick and the lifting weights are quick, but you’re getting faster and stronger. It’s a good program.”

At 5-foot-7, Davis said opposing quarterbacks try to pick on him when he comes in the game, but that usually doesn’t last too long.

“Sometimes they look my way and throw my way, but nothing happens,” Davis said. “I want them to come my way so I can prove to them I can cover. I really don’t think about (being shorter), I just work hard and play to my technique.”

The two interceptions came in the Statesmen’s game against Florida Tech Sept. 28, and Davis said he enjoys pulling down the ball and giving the offense a chance to make plays.

“It’s good, because they get a chance to go down the field and score,” Davis said. “Anything I can do to help the team win is good for me.”

Playing under first-year head coach Todd Cooley has been a fun experience, Davis said, and he and the other players feed off of Cooley’s coaching style.

“He acts like he’s one of the players because he’s so energized,” Davis said. “He’s ready for us to get out there and play, and he’s ready to get out there and coach. It’s great playing for him.”

With the Statesmen having a bye week this past weekend, Davis returned to NHS last Friday for homecoming to see his former team pound South Jones 67-7.

“It was good coming back and having a huge win over a team I know nothing about, since they moved down to (MHSAA) Division 5A,” Davis said. “I keep in touch with the coaches. (Head) Coach (Lance) Reed will text me to tell me to keep up the good work and play ball.”

Davis is the son of Shumeka Chatman and Maurice Davis.