Crespi High football’s little receiver who could

The reaction of players and fans who see receiver Michael Davison of Encino Crespi for the first time on a football field varies from disbelief to amusement.

At 5 feet 2, 140 pounds, Davison is unique among varsity football players in Southern California. His mere presence ignites a debate over how someone of his stature can play a sport in which size is supposed to matter.

“Before the game, people come up to me: ‘You’re so small.’ … After the game, they’re amused: ‘Oh my God. I can’t believe this little kid can do that [with] all these big guys out there,’” he said.

Playing receiver and running back, returning punts and kickoffs, Davison has become a remarkably effective football player entering his senior season.

His speed, combined with an ability to stop and go with the blink of an eye, helped him catch 56 passes for 633 yards and six touchdowns as a junior. This summer, in seven-on-seven passing competitions, he looks faster, stronger and even more dangerous as an offensive weapon. Game by game, he’s convincing the skeptics he’s for real.

He has become Mighty Mike.

“The secret is the size of his heart,” Coach Jon Mack said. “The secret is his belief in himself.”

His size becomes an asset when he’s able to disappear behind a mammoth offensive lineman. His diminutive dimensions create mismatches for cornerbacks not ready to deal with his elusiveness. And yes, he’ll go down pretty fast, but you have to catch him first.

“I just like to get into open space and do what God gave me the ability to do — make defenders miss with my great speed and athletic ability,” Davison said.

Davison has the ideal offensive coordinator to help him in Pepe Villasenor. As a 5-6 receiver at Ventura St. Bonaventure in 1996, Villasenor set a Southern Section record with 111 receptions. Villasenor, who looks like a giant standing next to Davison, is trying to create offensive situations that will allow Davison to show off his skills this fall.

“He can make you miss in a phone booth,” Villasenor said.

Davison has been playing football since his youth days, never letting others’ initial impressions deter his love for or commitment to the game.

He has good strength, which helps protect him from injury, and when players try to tackle him, they frequently have a hard time getting a clear shot.

But there is no hiding the fact that he’s the smallest player on the field.

“I don’t know if we have a tape measure that short,” Mack said.

In a huddle, Davison doesn’t reach the shoulders of some teammates. But when he makes a play, it brings smiles to fans and players alike.

“How did you do that?” receiver Chris Harper said last weekend after Davison caught a pass with two taller defenders draped around him.

It’s clear that respect is growing for Davison, who offers powerful evidence that football isn’t reserved for the tall and mighty.

“If you love the game of football, don’t let anyone say you can’t do it,” Davison said. “No matter how big you are or strong you are or fast you are, as long as you put effort into it, you can do it.”

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com

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