If you roam around Nicholls State University campus long enough you will eventually encounter the 2014 Colonels football poster hanging practically everywhere.

For those who may not be familiar with the featured athlete who graces this season’s schedule, it is none other than senior linebacker Davin Bovie. Bovie, who received 2nd team All-Southland honors this preseason, will lead his defense and the Colonels this Saturday as the team travels to Colorado Springs to play the Air Force Falcons in the season opener. Much is expected out of this season’s team, which puts pressure on those who are expected to lead the squad to a successful year. As captain and “poster boy” of this year’s Colonels team Bovie provides what it means to lead by example and takes on all the pressures that may transpire this season.

Bovie, a Waggaman native, was born July 16, 1993 in Marrero, La. and is the son of Diedra and Darwin Bovie. He also has two brothers, Darwin Jr. and Darius. Growing up in a household where the men outnumbered the women, a tough sport such as football has been around Bovie for most of his life. “I’ve been playing football since I was six years old,” Bovie said. “When I was in the sixth grade, I played for my middle school as well as the city league.” He attended Riverdale High School, where here lettered all four years in football and ran track. He was also an honor student and on the news team in high school.

After graduating from Riverdale, Bovie signed to play college ball at Nicholls State University, majoring in mass communications. He played in all eleven games as a true freshman, recording 17 tackles (six solo) and also racking up 7 tackles in season the finale against Southeastern Louisiana University.

Since his freshman year Bovie or “Davo”, a nickname given by his peers, competed in every Colonel football game up until the eighth game of the season last year against McNeese State, where he suffered a season ending ACL injury. He led the Southland Conference in tackles until his knee injury and, despite missing the final four games, finished 12th in the league and 2nd on the team with 78 tackles.

Many coaches and players hear “ACL injury” and quickly become baffled with the thought of such a serious injury. It takes time to recover from knee damage both mentally and physically. After taring his ACL, Bovie, being the person and athlete that he is, took his football mind frame on the field to a different field, only in this case the medical field. He conveyed a positive mind frame and sheer determination to get healthier, better, and back on the field.

Davin’s work ethic to not only get healthy enough to play, but be confident enough to step back onto football field has not gone unnoticed by the Colonels coaching staff and teammates. Defensive coordinator Steve Adams is excited to see Bovie back and at full speed. “The fact that he rehabilitated himself alone speaks volumes,” Adams said. “His work ethic and love for the game is unmatched and I’m glad he’s one of us. Head Coach Charlie Stubbs calls Bovie the most proven captain and a positive example to show to his team. “With his hard work during the summer and 8 months of rehab, he’s worked himself into the position he’s in now.” Stubbs said.

“ He’s a great student and self-motivated. It was a goal of his to be ready for Air Force and right now he has reached that goal.” Stubbs added. Bovie’s peers also respect his guidance and advice. Sophomore linebacker Seth Keller finds Bovie brings excellent leadership he can rely on. “Davin’s an excellent leader and always has a great attitude. He’s a player you can go and talk to about anything, not just football.”

Bovie credits football in helping him deal with life lessons. “Football has taught me friendship, leadership, love and hate. Some of my best friends came from playing the game of football, and between my dad and coaches I’ve learn how to deal with adversity, success, and how to approach life in general.” Some advice that Bovie gives is to never doubt yourself. “ Once I tore my ACL the love, concern, and support that other’s showed for me was love and support I didn’t know I had for myself. Before then I doubted myself and that’s when I realized I can never doubt myself or give up because you never know who’s looking up to you.”