Interview: 2019 WR Taj Davis Scorching California Defenses for Over 100 Yards Per Game

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Stat heads could claim the prediction of the ascension of Taj Davis as one of California’s electric talents in the 2019 class last season, but they would have been lying. Davis had a solid but modest sophomore season pulling in 15 passes for 202 yards with three touchdowns. Fortunately for fans of Upland High School, Davis was just laying the groundwork for a breakout junior campaign taking the opposition by storm.

In retrospect, the 2016 season for Upland may have been a groundwork in progress season setting up what has started off as a potential season to remember. The Scots went 6-5 a year ago as a scrappy team but have rushed out to a 4-0 start ranked No. 16 in-state (MaxPreps) with a roster loaded with talent. The offensive game plan is balanced with 876 yards on the ground and 1,046 through the passing attack with Davis becoming a No. 1 receiver.

The 6-2, 190 pound, playmaker has roughed up opposing defensive backs for 17 receptions covering 449 yards with six touchdowns through four games. The stats are fantastic but the 26 yard per catch average lends to his explosive nature on the gridiron with his 112 yards per game receiving average giving way to his consistency, even when schemed against.

Davis is an emerging must-get recruit on the trail with teams like Notre Dame, Arizona, Oregon, and Arizona State showing early interest and offers to choose from provided by Nevada, Howard, and Duke. Marquee games remain on the schedule against squads like Rancho Cucamonga and Damien, among others, guarantee college scouts on-hand meaning even more offers and interest coming for Davis and his hard working teammates.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in California’s 2019 class gaining insight on his play, his recruiting process, and the Scot’s exciting action on the field to start the 2017 schedule.

Interview

Taj, the Scots are off to a great start to the 2017 season with a 3-0 record, what has clicked early in the year allowing for the team to play so well?

“I feel like our offense has clicked and we have stepped up. We are getting into the end zone a lot this year, especially when we get into the red zone.”

You are filling up the stat sheet like crazy, how has your game improved over last season giving way to an explosive start to your junior year?

“When I played 7v7 during the spring, that helped me out. Playing 7v7 with RhareBreed made me an elite receiver. I learned more about the position this offseason helping me take over on the field.”

What are the strengths of your game you are bringing to the field as a receiver?

“I feel like catching the ball and making the big plays when needed. I feel like I am the guy that can do that for my team.”

How did you get ready for your junior year over the spring and summer months? 7v7

“In the offseason, David (Baldwin – quarterback) and I would go to a park and work on everything. We cleaned up our game and with RhareBreed and Coach Rob.”

How are you preparing each week for a game?

“I’m practicing hard for every game. Every play designed for me, I make sure I run it to perfection and execute correctly.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Oregon State, Northwestern, Notre Dame just hit me up a couple of days ago, and Arizona has been showing interest for a while.”

You recently got an offer from Duke, what was that moment like for you and how did they offer you?

“It was so surprising. I was excited. One of their coaches followed me on Instagram. He, asked me to call him, so I did and we talked for a while. He talked about the program and the great educational programs they have there. I spoke with Coach (Eli) Keimach (quality control) first and then I spoke with their receiver’s coach, Coach (Jeff) Faris. That is when they offered me and congratulated me. I thanked them for the offer.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I went to Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon for a camp, and UCLA.”

Do you have any planned visits for this fall?

“I’d like to go to Duke, they invited for the Miami game. I hope to go to Oregon State if I keep talking to Coach (TJ) Woods (offensive line coach).”

Let’s wrap up focusing on the field. What are your goals for the 2017 season?

“I want to break the single-season reception records for the school. I believe 50 receptions is the record. I want to keep making big plays and allow my team to go far. We are trying to get a ring. We have a strong defense this year. I think we can make a run.”

Which games left on the schedule has you hyped to play maybe a little more than the others?

“Rancho (Cucamonga). That is the biggest game coming up. There is already a lot of hype on it.”

What do you love about the game of football?

“Man, I love how it is a family. We all come together for one goal and that is to win. I love being a part of that.”

Taj, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the 2017 season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Dave Samarzich; No. 3 Taj Davis in action.