Davis Brothers Hit Highs, Lows in CFL

AMES, Iowa - Four former Cyclone football players are continuing their careers north of the border. Running backs Troy and Darren Davis, wide receiver Eddie Brown and defensive lineman Sheldon Napastuk have all seen extensive playing time in the CFL this season.

Troy Davis is currently leading the CFL in rushing with 568 yards (119 att., 3 touchdowns). Davis has topped 100 yards twice this season, against British Columbia (105) and Calgary (151). His best performance of the 2002 campaign came against Saskatchewan on Aug. 1. Davis gained 74 yards on 18 carries and scored two touchdowns, including the game-winning score in overtime. His 727 yards from scrimmage rank him third in the CFL and seventh in all-purpose yardage.

Darren Davis, after showing a promising start to the 2002 season with 247 rushing yards in five games, has been sidelined the last two games with an injury sustained against Hamilton on July 25, when he was driven helmet-first into the turf. The initial diagnosis indicated a hyperextended neck. After further treatment, the injury has been listed as a sprain between the neck and shoulder. Davis cannot run without pain, and was placed on the injured list July 31. He may remain there until as late as October 19. Rehabilitation has been limited because a firm diagnosis has not yet been reached.

The ageless Eddie Brown, in his 12th CFL season, is quietly putting up solid numbers for the Ottawa Renegades. Brown has 250 receiving yards on 16 receptions and one touchdown in six games, including a season-high five receptions against Montreal on Aug. 8. Brown has also seen action on special teams, totalling 71 yards on nine kickoff and punt returns.

Saskatchewan defensive lineman Sheldon Napastuk has amassed nine tackles in four games this season, including two tackles for loss.