NFL Network's Charles Davis speaks on A&M's Combine invites

Key notes from Charles Davis interview

• I should say “Howdy.”
   
• In the business we’re in, isn't it always that little bit of surprise, yet we shouldn't be? Everything just continues to get bigger. Texas A&M in the SEC... I grew up Southwest Conference, the whole deal. I actually remember when SEC Media Days was a one-day event, and now it’s four. Everything gets bigger, not just in Texas.
   
• I’m quite sure you remember when the SEC was winning all the titles, and what was the No. 1 criticism everyone had? “Oh, it’s a top-heavy conference. Theres not depth though it.” Now, the SEC has the depth, but the top-heavy part is the Big Ten cause they're winning it. I think it’s just the natural argument that goes through. I think it’s healthy for college football to have both of these giants slugging it out. The ACC did not have a bad showing last year. They were right there in the whole thing. College football is college football. I’ve always had the opinion that the best teams can go to any conference and be competitive. That doesn't mean you go to every conference and win them, but you can probably be competitive. That’s where we are right now. But being an SEC guy, I do know everyone’s burning with the question “When do we get back in?” The Big Ten isn’t ready to give it up anytime soon.
   
• I know it's not something you talk about all the time, but let's face it, across the country, everyone's been saying that Texas A&M should be a top 10-15 every year. I remember they said that, and then the Pac-12 said, “Arizona State, how are they not a top 15 every year? San Diego State, that should be it.” There are always those places. But I think Mike Elko stabilized that this is where they are, this is where they're going to be. Until he decides not to be there anymore, I think that’s what we’re going to see.
   
• The end of the season, the way things ended, that’s what we’re talking about. The consistency. That’s all we’re looking for. You would see games where it would be rough early, but Marcel Reed would get it together. It would be dynamite down the stretch. So what you're wanting is the typical four quarters, even play and the big moments. Hit all those things, and I think he’s more than capable. To show my age, I knew his dad when he was the head coach at Tennessee State. It’s a lot of fun to watch him, and the NFL has a pretty good eye on him, too.
   
• I just love the effort, intensity and violence that Cashius Howell plays with. Every snap, Howell’s getting after it. I know that here at the Combine its height and weight. Measurables we’re going to walk away from here are if his arms are long enough. When we get closer to the draft, a lot of that kind of melts away, and we’re kind of back to, “He’s a really good football player.” He’s going to go in the first round to someone who’s going to get the edge rusher, and he’s going to be one of those guys. I expect him to go in the first 20 picks.
   
• I could give you hours on Andrew Monaco. I was lucky enough to work with him back in Orlando, FL, at the beginning of my career. He is an exceptional broadcaster. He’s a more exceptional person. He mentored me, counseled me and taught me. I will always be grateful for everything. All the lessons, the camaraderie, the friendship, the professionalism, or whatever adjective you want to use, that’s positive. That’s who Monaco is. I remember when he went for the A&M job, I said, “Dude, if you get that job, you can be there forever. They are going to love you,” because he’s going to be all in, and he is all in. Howdy, Hullabaloo, you name it. He’s it. He’s a dear friend, and I wish him nothing but continued success, as I do with Texas A&M, except for when you play Tennessee.