By Tom Pedulla, USA TODAY
Miami Dolphins cornerback Vontae Davis is eager to be known as more than the younger brother of Vernon Davis, the star tight end of the San Francisco 49ers.
He is on his way to accomplishing that.
Davis — Vontae, that is — made a huge end-zone interception of Tom Brady in the fourth quarter of Miami's 22-21 victory against the visiting New England Patriots on Sunday. He also has a pick-six to his credit this season, returning an interception 23 yards in a 38-10 rout of the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 4.
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USA TODAY takes a closer look at Davis:
THE PLAYER
Ht.: 5-11 Wt.: 203
• Hometown: Washington, D.C.
• College highlights: Made 206 tackles (139 solo) in three-year career as starter at Illinois with 22 passes defensed, seven interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Named as consensus All-Big Ten conference first-team selection as junior. Made immediate impact at Illinois as Rookie of the Year.
• Scouting report: Has all of the tools to succeed as long as he dedicates himself to his craft. Work ethic questioned when he was at Illinois. Developed reputation as player who needs to be pushed by coaches. Excels in man coverage. Can recover quickly in the event of a mental lapse. Physical corner who welcomes the challenge of stopping the run.
• Quotable: "We feel real good about him. He fits the mold of what we like in corners. He's big. He's physical. He's fast. He can play either man or zone." —Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland
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THE PERSON
• Biggest adjustment: "You have a challenge every week in this league. You have to prepare like you're facing a number one receiver every week. You've got to make sure you study film. It's kind of like school."
• Advice received from his brother, 49ers TE Vernon Davis: "The biggest thing is going to work every day with a purpose. He said, 'You want to play the game for a long time. You're not going to be good in one day. You have to keep working. You have to want to be a good player.' "
• Advantage of having brother in NFL: "It's a big advantage that a lot of guys don't have. I have somebody to talk to when times are tough because he's been through tough times. You are going to have adversity and you've just got to overcome it."
• Role model: "I look at all of the older guys who played my position, Champ Bailey and Nate Clements."
• First purchase after signing: "A Range Rover. I can finally get around. The car my brother gave me was always breaking down. He wanted to keep me hungry so he didn't want to buy me anything."
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