Butch Davis' son quarterback at local high school

DJ Khaled’s “All I Do is Win” blared through the speakers of East Chapel Hill High School’s stadium as the varsity football team lined up for passing drills.

At first glance, most people wouldn’t know UNC head football coach Butch Davis’ son, Drew Davis, is the quarterback of the team.

“The only people that treat him differently are the media,” said the Wildcats’ top receiver Alex Moore. “Drew gets no special treatment.”

Drew Davis, a high school junior, said he began playing football in first grade and has been around the game his entire life.

“It has given me a different lifestyle,” said the 17-year-old. “Football is 365 days a year for me. It’s everywhere I go.”

Wildcats coach Bill Renner said Drew Davis’ life experience is a huge advantage in the game.

Renner became coach of the team this year after moving to the area from Virginia, where he was the winningest coach at two of the three high schools where he worked.

“When you are a young person like that, being around the game helps you mature so that situations don’t bother you,” Renner said.

“He has been around pros his whole life, so he is not intimidated by big players.”

Coincidentally, Butch Davis coaches Renner’s son, UNC quarterback Bryn Renner. The Wildcats coach said he and his wife moved to the area in order to be closer to their son, a redshirt freshman.

“The proximity to see my son play and the location is a blessing,” Bill Renner said.

Bill Renner and Moore said Drew Davis is a natural team leader.

“He is extremely active as a passer, very athletic, very accurate and very smart,” Moore said. “Drew has been around the game for a long time and is a good leader.”

Drew Davis said his father, who played football himself, is very supportive of his passion.

“He just lets me do my own thing and gives me advice when I ask questions.”

Bill Renner said it has been interesting coaching the young quarterback after meeting his father.

“I think it is a pretty cool thing,” he said. “I got to meet Drew during the recruiting process, and he is a great kid.

“I am really excited to coach him.”

This is a rebuilding year for the Wildcats, Bill Renner said. The team has failed to win more than one game in a season since 2004.

The team won this year’s opening game but has lost its last three.

Drew Davis said he leads the team in touchdown passes and total yards. His goal for the year is to make the playoffs.

“Even in the first seven weeks, he has improved mechanically and mentally,” Renner said. “I think he has a lot of potential to become a great quarterback.”

Davis said he wants to continue football in college but hasn’t decided if he will play for UNC.

“I’m not sure about that yet, but I’ll decide when the time comes.”

Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.