After arriving on the Troy University campus in the fall of 2016, Sidney Davis was quickly thrown into the fray as a sophomore transfer.

The former Hinds Community College standout was forced to quickly learn on the fly the intricacies of the high-powered Troy offense, perhaps stunting his ability to become a major contributor.

Now with a full offseason under his belt, the former Natchez High School star is ready to showcase the talent that earned him 2014 Natchez Democrat All-Metro MVP honors.

“I’m a lot more comfortable than I was last year,” said Davis, a rising junior. “I know what to expect and how to prepare for games at this level.”

Despite his late arrival to the Trojans football team, Davis left a lasting impact with the squad.

The 5-foot-11, 210-pound wide receiver hauled in 12 passes for 168 yards with a touchdown, but it was his performance in Troy’s biggest games where Davis made his presence felt.

Trailing by three late in the year against eventual Sun Belt champion Appalachian State and facing a fourth-and-6 in the final minutes, Davis hauled in a 43-yard pass to set up the game-winning touchdown on the following play.

The win gave the Trojans an 8-1 mark and a 5-0 record in conference play with three games remaining.

“I’m looking to be more productive this year,” Davis said. “I was productive in big moments, but I want to be more involved in the offense.”

Troy finished the regular season going 1-2 down the stretch and losing a pivotal conference game to Arkansas State on Nov. 17. A win would have given the Trojans a conference championship.

However, the Trojans capped the year with a 28-23 win over Ohio University in the Dollar General Bowl.

The win, Davis said, served as a springboard for the upcoming season.

“We left on a good note and the win gave us a big confidence boost,” he said. “Personally, playing in a bowl game was a big experience. It was fun, and I’m looking forward to winning some while I’m here.”

Despite a rigorous 2017 schedule, which includes road trips to Boise State and LSU, Davis said the Trojans are filled with confidence and expect a memorable campaign.

“We want to steal us some victories in Idaho in and Baton Rouge,” Davis said. “Our motto is to go undefeated.”