SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Felton Davis III #18 of the Michigan State Spartans runs in a touchdown on a pass play against the Washington State Cougars during the first half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Felton Davis III didn’t get to show off during Michigan State’s 2018 spring game, but he has the mindset and potential to be the Big Ten’s best.

Through two years at Michigan State, it seemed as if Felton Davis III would be nothing more than a depth piece for the Spartans. He caught a total of 14 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown despite having the tools and potential to be a star in the receiving corps.

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With his 6-4 frame, he failed to dominate in his freshman and sophomore seasons, but knowing he’d be the most veteran returning contributor for the 2017 team, he started taking film sessions more seriously and began to perfect his craft on the practice field.

Davis III responded to all doubt in 2017 with a breakout season, catching 55 passes for 776 yards and nine touchdowns. He was Brian Lewerke’s favorite target and someone who could go up and catch just about anything thrown his way. His confidence grew throughout the season and he made an eye-opening goal for himself following the Spartans’ Holiday Bowl win.

Felton Davis III is a NFL receiver. But he told me he wants to come back for his senior year, bulk up like Julio Jones, and go for 100 catches and 1,000 yards. Are *you* going to doubt him? — Ryan Schuiling (@RyanSchuiling) December 29, 2017

Right now, Davis’ 195-pound frame isn’t going to cut it at the next level, but if he adds 10-15 pounds of muscle this offseason and reaches that lofty goal of 100 catches for 1,000 yards, he could be one of the top receivers chosen in 2019.

It’s crazy how much could change in just one year. He went from a guy who couldn’t seem to attract the attention of his own quarterback on a regular basis to one of the Big Ten’s most dominating presences at wide out.

Michigan State has had a strong history of developing top-tier wide outs under Mark Dantonio, such as Big Ten Receivers of the Year Tony Lippett (2014) and Aaron Burbridge (2015). Could Davis III become the third Big Ten Receiver of the Year winner and take home the crown in 2018? Stanley Morgan Jr. and JD Spielman of Nebraska are the only returning Big Ten receivers who had more yards in 2017, but they don’t have a set quarterback for the 2018 season.

The 2018 season could be a special one for Michigan State, but most notably Davis III. Dantonio’s ability to develop NFL talent continues.