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The University of Utah Athletics
Perfecting His Game
Perfecting His Game
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Sept. 10, 2003
By Melissa Hall, Sports Information Publications Coordinator
Utah's all-conference strong safety Dave Revill is confident more success lies ahead for him for one simple reason: He believes good things come from hard work. That philosophy has taken the onetime walk-on to a scholarship and a starting position on the league's best defense.
The once-little unknown Revill made waves with the Utah fans last year after tying the Utah single-game record for solo tackles (14). Not bad, considering he did it in one of the most intimidating stadiums in the nation-Michigan's Big House.
"I was so fortunate to have a game like that. As a kid, you dream of becoming a college player and especially of playing against the best teams. It was just awesome to have one of my best games there," says Revill.
The trend of great performances seems to be a way of life for the Salt Lake native. When he joined the Utes in 1999 it was as a walk-on. "I had a rough senior year of high school because of injuries. The injuries hampered me most of the season so it was not the year I was capable of having by any means," Revill admits. "This was especially hard since I had a great junior season and had colleges looking at me."
Committed to continue playing football, Revill decided to join the Utes without a scholarship. "I really wanted to stay in-state because of my wife and family." Though he redshirted his first season, his hard work at practice paid off as he was awarded a scholarship. "Coach (Kyle) Whittingham and coach (Bill) Busch believed in me and helped me get the scholarship," says Revill. "After I earned the scholarship, I knew I could go out and play my game without any worries."
Defensive backs coach Busch returns the respect Revill's way. "The combination he possesses as a student of the game, a hard worker and full of ability makes him the best player I've ever coached," says Busch.
In his freshman season, Revill saw time in four games for special teams. But it was his sophomore year when he earned significant playing time. Playing in all 12 games as a defensive back, Revill recorded 31 tackles while grabbing two interceptions. The breakout performance opened the door for his junior season, when he earned the starting spot at strong safety. Revill proved he belonged as a starter by recording a team-high 89 total tackles and three sacks en route to garnering second-team honors by the Mountain West Conference and the Las Vegas Review Journal.
Now, in his final year at Utah, Revill is ready to push his game even further. He's being dubbed as one of the best safeties in the league and has been named to the 2003 Mountain West Conference preseason all-conference team. But, it's not the individual accomplishments Revill is thinking about.
"Our team is more than ready for this year," he explains. "It's a new type of atmosphere." One thing that seems to be a driving force for the Utes is being picked to finish fifth overall in the league. "It's a lot tougher to defend a top position. We seem to play so much harder when we are picked lower. I'm just hoping there is nothing to hold us back."
Something Revill is very excited about is the addition of new Head Coach Urban Meyer. "I loved Coach (Ron) McBride, but I really think bringing in Coach Meyer is the best thing that could have happened my senior year. Coach Meyer is really big on getting your family involved in the whole experience. He also is great because he gives the players a say in the program," notes Revill. "I like that he personally deals with each player, and that has led to a new level where everybody on the team is so close."
"I fully believe Coach Meyer knows what he is doing. He is going to turn a new level at Utah, and I completely understand his vision."
One program Meyer has implemented in the Utah football program is a leadership committee. The leadership committee serves as a liaison between the players and the coaches. Members of the committee relay player concerns to the coaches and assist in enforcing team policies. "It's an honor to be selected to the leadership committee and I just hope I can live up to the expectations others see in me," Revill says. The 5-11, 205-pound player beams about another honor bestowed on him this year. "Being selected a team captain is probably the biggest individual achievement I have had in football."
With everything going so well for Revill on the field, it's obvious to see why his fortune carries over off the field. He's approaching his fifth year of marriage to his high school sweetheart, Carlye Christensen, and is a talented artist in his own right.
"My wife and I are the best of friends and that makes our marriage the best of anybody I know. She's now a huge football fan and can't wait during the off-season for football to start. She's pretty reserved, but still cheers and I know she's proud of me," declares Revill.
Revill's other love is painting and drawing. "I started painting with my Grandma Marge Revill when I was eight years old and fell in love with it. I really still enjoy drawing and oil painting, but don't have as much time for it as I would like. The other bad thing is that I'm a perfectionist so my work must be perfect or I'll throw it away."
It's that perfectionist attitude that has pushed Revill to triumph in life's journey. It's also led him to become quite the competitor. "I went fishing with my family and wife and knew I had to catch a big one. I went out hopping around on the rocks to make sure I got out far enough to secure my chances, but instead I slipped on and mossy rock, fell in and gave everyone a good laugh," Revill relates.
He credits the same family that teases him for being there for him always. "My dad has given me so much support over the years. He was the parent everybody knew because he would bring a ladder to my high school games and film them. Then he would make a highlight video. He still does this for my college games-he's an awesome dad," says Revill. "My mom and step-dad have also been amazing with their support."
The interesting thing about Revill is that for being such a nice guy off the field, he sure changes his mindset when he steps onto the field. "Ya, I'm sorry about that," he laughs. The moment the game starts, this guy goes nuts. He's running here, there and is always trying to sneak into the play. He's pounding his chest and is the first to congratulate a team member when he makes a big play.
It appears the hard work ethic has paid off, both on and away from the field for Revill.