Raekwon Davis is described as a prank artist by Meridian High School head coach Larry Weems.

Yet on the field, the imposing defensive tackle is anything but jokes.

The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Davis had a standout camp circuit in the spring and summer, and followed that up with a strong 2015 campaign.

For his efforts, Davis was invited to partake in the 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and was presented with his U.S. Army Bowl All-American Bowl jersey Thursday morning.

“It’s just a blessing to be able to play in this game,” Davis said. “I feel like I have great talent, and I have a great coaching staff and great teammates, and it’s just a blessing.”

Davis made his presence felt in March at Nike Football’s Opening Regional in New Orleans. The Meridian High product was a standout performer in 1-on-1 drills, ultimately garnering defensive lineman MVP honors. From there, Davis was invited to partake in Nike’s The Opening, where he was chosen as a “Final 5” defensive lineman at the Oregon-based event.

The Alabama commit then saw his stock soar as a prospect skyrocket, jumping all the way to the No. 48 player in the county, according to 247Sports.com. Additionally, Davis was named to The Clarion-Ledger’s Dandy Dozen list.

“I just never gave up the grind,” Davis said. “I kept myself motivated.”

Davis is the second player in school history to play in the game, as former Wildcat and current Ole Miss safety C.J. Hampton took part in the 2014 game.

“A guy that’s 300-plus pounds, 6-foot-7 and can move pretty decent, there’s not a whole lot of kids like that across the country,” Weems said of Davis. “Potential wise, that may be unlimited, but you never know how that’s going to go. But I think that’s what a lot of college recruiters see in him and his potential.”

“He’s worked hard,” Weems added. “He likes the weight room. He’s physically developed himself, and he’ll have the opportunity to do some things if he keeps on pressing hard.”

Davis helped lead Meridian to an 8-6 record and a MHSAA Class 6A semifinals appearance. He is slated to partake in the Mississippi-Alabama All Star Football Classic Saturday, Dec. 12, alongside teammates Zaire Jones and Quincy Lenton.

“(Meridian High School) means a lot to me,” Davis said. “It helped develop me as a man and kept me motivated. I was raised here and the people here kept my mind on the right track.”