Raekwon Davis may not have won the defensive MVP in the College Football Playoff National Championship a week ago, but Meridian Mayor Percy Bland let it be known he was Meridian’s MVP.

Davis, the former Meridian High School and current Alabama defensive lineman, was on hand Monday at City Hall to receive a key to the city from Bland following the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade. It comes after a strong sophomore season for Davis, who finished the year with 24 solo tackles, 45 assists, 10 tackles for loss and 8 1/2 sacks to help the Crimson Tide to a national championship.

In Bland’s mind, Davis is someone around whom the city should rally, since he will likely be representing Meridian by playing football for years to come.

“He’s from Meridian, he played at Meridian High School, and if he keeps doing what he’s doing, we’re going to see him play a lot on Sundays,” Bland said. “He’s going to make us proud for a long time, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”

Davis said he was humbled that the city chose to recognize him and was glad to make the trip from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to visit his hometown.

“It means a lot,” Davis said. “I like to see my community come together for events like this. It’s just amazing to see my hometown show this much support. I love that.”

After a regular season which saw him lead the team in sacks, Davis had four solo tackles and one sack in Alabama’s semifinal game against Clemson Jan. 1. In the national title game, Davis had two solo tackles and one sack, but it was an interception in the third quarter that was perhaps its biggest play. Following a Georgia interception that threaten to bust the game open for the Bulldogs, Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm threw a pass that bounced off an Alabama defensive lineman’s head. Davis spotted the ball in the air, hauled it in and ran it back 19 yards to give the Crimson Tide new life. 

Alabama went on to kick a field goal on the ensuring drive to cut Georgia’s lead to 20-10, and Davis said he was grateful to have made a big play that turned his team’s fortunes around.

“I was just helping my team out, just trying to buy in and do what I could to help them win the game,” Davis said of the play.

Said Bland, “The intensity he brought in that game and the way he played just made us proud. It was a great game, and his effort turned the game around. We just wanted to honor him today and give him the defensive MVP award from the city of Meridian, because if he doesn’t make those plays, they don’t win that game.”

Demetrius Hill, Meridian’s defensive line coach, said it was fun watching one of his former athletes have such a big game.

“I was very proud of him,” Hill said. “It was a great feeling knowing where he’s come from and where he’s at now. It just makes me feel really proud.”

Seeing Davis honored by his hometown Monday was another proud moment for Hill.

“He’s very humbled by it,” Hill said. “As I told him, you did a great job for the University of Alabama, but you did an even bigger job for Meridian, and he’s embracing that and loving it.”

School at Alabama started back last week, and Davis will soon turn his attention to spring practice. With Alabama not having classes Monday due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Bland said he was grateful Davis chose to spend his off day being recognized by his fans back home.

“I’m just glad they played the championship game a week ago today, and he was able to come from Alabama to be here to be honored today in front of all of his friends and family in this city,” Bland said. “It means a lot.”