GULF SHORES — Before or after lining up for a race or football game, Carter Davis doesn’t dwell on the fact he is likely the fastest competitor toeing the line. 

Even back in the day – he’s 17 so that day’s not so long ago – being the fastest kid on the playground never crossed Davis’ mind.

In fact, before or after a race or any sports competition, Davis would describe his attitude as somewhat unassuming. Even if he is the fastest person in Alabama. Davis is a four-star wide receiver as well and is looking forward to upcoming outdoor track state championships April 30-May 2 at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex. And his senior year on the Dolphin football team.

“I’m very confident but I try to stay humble because you know if you always have that mentality where you’re that guy, you’re going to do terrible that day,” Davis said. “I always try to stay humble and just grind, man. If something big happens, I’m excited.”

However, his attitude does change a bit when he backs into the sprinter blocks. Or toes the line of scrimmage as a wide receiver or is back ready to return a kickoff.

“I’m going to give it my all. Whoever is next to me, I’m gonna beat you, I’m going to beat you,” Davis said. “I’ve always had that mentality since I was little. Very competitive. I hate losing.”

Something big happened at the state indoor track meet in January. Davis streaked through 60 meters with a 6.76 time good enough for a 6A state championship. Along with the 6A title, Davis’ time made him the fastest person in the state in all classifications.

This spring, he’s busy training for the outdoor meet when he’s not making football recruiting visits or trips to compete with other elite sprinters. At a recent Boston meet, he placed 25th among 60 sprinters and missed the finals by hundreds of a second.

“There were some fast guys up there, super-fast guys,” Davis said. “It is very humbling.”

Davis loves both football and track but football is where his heart lies. The two work hand in hand to help him reach his goals.

“I love football and I love track because it keeps me going, it keeps my speed up and my endurance,” Davis said. “So, I’m doing something outside of football to keep it going.”

Football coach Mark Hudspeth, while succinct, had nothing but praise for his star receiver. Davis scored 13 touchdowns in 2025 – nine receiving, four rushing – and had 940 yards receiving.

“Great teammate, great character and leader,” Hudspeth said. “Very helpful to younger players and great representative of Gulf Shores High School and community. He’s primed for a big year.”

Between now and then, Davis will be asked the inevitable questions on where he might play on the college level. Recently, he told some media types he was headed to Mississippi State for a recruiting trip that very weekend. One was pleased, an MSU grad, but an Ole Miss and Bama fan standing with them good-naturedly offered different opinions.

Davis doesn’t have much to say right now on whether or not he favors one school or another. But he knows what he wants to study.

“Finance and sports management is what I want to study, to be continued is where I’m going to do that,” Davis said with a sheepish grin. “I’m going to pray on that.”