Ashley Lawrence | Staff Writer

On March 22, Azusa Pacific University’s football athletes C.J. Broussard and Tyree Davis showcased their skills in APU’s annual football Pro Day. Over 20 National Football League scouts gathered to witness the trio’s variety of drills. Collide had the opportunity to sit down with safety Broussard and cornerback Davis to talk about their journey to Pro Day and their ultimate end goal: the National Football League.

Senior Clarence Joseph (C.J.) Broussard IV, a Clovis, Calif. native, was a multifaceted athlete throughout his high school career. From playing basketball to running track, C.J. was also his football team’s quarterback, cornerback and wide receiver. Broussard trusted his talents, relationships and most importantly God to guide him through his football journey.

Collide: Did you always want to go pro? What was your motivation? Who was your inspiration/ mentor?

Clarence Joseph Broussard: I have always dreamed of playing a professional sport. Basketball was my first love and I had visions of myself one day playing for the 76ers because Allen Iverson was/is my favorite basketball player. I wasn’t blessed with a ton of height, but I was gifted with the natural athleticism that it took to excel in football, so I just went with that. Through my dad’s ministry, I grew up around a lot of college and pro athletes. It was through those relationships that I was able to have mentors and people to inspire me in my walk with the Lord and my pursuit of a football career.

C: Were there any obstacles you faced while getting ready for Pro Day? How did you overcome them?

CJB: The biggest obstacle was not having a whole team to train with. I was used to having 100 plus teammates in the weight room with me, so that was a big change. TD [Tyree Davis] and Coach Higerd were a huge help in overcoming that obstacle. Coach Higerd made an extremely well-thought- out training plan and helped us execute it. TD and I were able to help push and motivate each other throughout this process.

C: At what moment did you know you were capable of going pro?

CJB: I wouldn’t say there was a distinct moment… I always knew that if I worked hard and trusted the Lord, He would bless me with opportunities like this. The glory is all His.

C: How did you get to APU to play football and why did you choose APU?

CJB: The best way to put it is that God closed a lot of doors that I was willing to walk through at any moment during my recruiting experience, but He always kept the APU door open. The decision was easy on Signing Day and I would do it again, ten times out of ten.

C: Are there any quotes or Bible verses that have inspired you in your journey?

CJB: Faith, family, friends, finding knowledge and football. That is my “Fab Five.” That is what I direct my focus on, in that order. Joshua 1:9 is my favorite verse and I have that written on my training bag.

Tyree Davis, also a senior, was born and raised in San Diego, Calif. Davis grew up playing baseball, basketball and football. The All-State Colorado champion finds inspiration through his dedicated family who he says have inspired him to pursue a higher level of excellence.

Collide: Did you always want to go pro? What was your motivation? Who was your inspiration/ mentor?

Tyree Davis: I’ve always wanted to play at the highest level I possibly could. When I was in little league football, I never even thought about college, just straight to the pros—a weird concept to think about now. My mom has been my motivation my whole life; she’s always been my biggest fan/supporter. Even when I was not in school and doing all of the wrong things, she was still in my corner supporting me to get back on track. My uncle has been my inspiration because we have similar backgrounds and he made it and excelled on that level. My brothers have been my mentors my whole life; my brother Q has been the main mentor I’ve had. He’s been a father figure to me since I could remember.

C: Were there any obstacles you faced while getting ready for Pro Day? How did you overcome them?

TD: [There weren’t too] many obstacles. There were days where we would train like crazy and I wouldn’t hit the numbers I wanted, so I’d be frustrated and miss class to put in extra work. Besides that, it was a smooth transition from the season to Pro Day.

C: At what moment did you know you were capable of going pro?

TD: I’ve always felt that I was capable of going pro. Ever since a young age, I would have people telling me I could do big things, and I believed it because I loved the game that much and put my everything into it.

C: How did you get to APU to play football and why did you choose APU?

TD: I got to APU from a junior college; I wasn’t even a part of a team at that moment. I had a brother who was attending school here and I asked him to help me get there. I emailed Coach Santa Cruz with some film and they offered me to join camp that upcoming summer. APU chose me.

C: Are there any quotes or Bible verses that have inspired you in your journey?

TD: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”