15 Top 2021 College Football Recruiting Gems Available in California
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The goal in every recruiting class is for college football programs to restock the proverbial shelves with top-of-the-line talent that fits said team’s needs. Every year, no matter what, there are always amazing talents that slip past collegiate scouts, if for no other reason than a lack of national attention. The 2021 haul still available in the Golden State are sure to be difference makers at the next level.
Top 15 2021 Available California Recruits
OL/DL Josh Simmons (6-6, 280) – Helix – 3-Star
Slotted just out of his former four-star ranking, Simmons is a unique talent capable of playing on either side of the ball at the next level. The commits surrounding him in the rankings are going to UCLA, Oregon, Cal, and Washington.
QB Donovan Smith (6-3, 215) – Damien – 3-Star
As a three-year starter still waiting to play his senior season, Donovan Smith has already thrown for 5,300 yards with 41 touchdowns. His junior season ended with 2,517 yards, 19 TDs, and five rushing scores. As technically sound with a gun as there is out there. A definite D-I talent.
WR Alonzo Fontenette (6-3, 175) – Oaks Christian – 3-Star
Working under head coach Casey Clausen while receiving passes from four-star Miller Moss (USC), Fontenette posted a tight stat line averaging 20.3 yards per reception after snagging 32 for 648 with four scores posted.
QB Dartanyon Moussiaux (6-5, 200) Capistrano Valley – 3-Star
Another RNG favorite. Dartanyon Moussiaux has all the skills, a rocket for an arm, deep and great drops, has mobility and can throw on the run, accurate, and has a tight release. If at a Trinity League school, Moussiaux would easily be a four-star recruit. Produced 2,143 yards with 20 touchdowns during his junior season.
DT Victory Vaka (6-2, 350) – Westlake – 3-Star
The former Colorado Buffaloes commit is sitting on 20 reported offers. Vaka is that versatile guy in the trenches that can play the zero to 3-technique.
DE Ja’Quez Harvey (6-4, 245) – Locke High School – 3-Star
*Committed to Fresno State on Sunday, Jan. 24
Ja’Quez Harvey is that traditional strongside defensive end with a P5 grade. Nine offers have been extended. A one-time Arizona Wildcats commit.
OLB Jaden Genova (6-0, 205) – Jserra Catholic – 3-Star
Genova earned All-American honors during the 2019 season taking on Trinity League competition. Playing that hybrid outside backer/rover role, Genova came up with 84 tackles, eight for a loss, 2.5 sacks, nine QB hurries, three forced fumbles, and three passes defended.
OLB/DE Josh Long (6-5, 220) – Loyola – 3-Star
Josh Long is one of those versatile players with a frame to add more size. Playing often with a hand in the ground, Long produced an estimated stat line of 67 tackles, 19 solo, with 6.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hurries, and two fumble recoveries in 11 games against Mission League competition in 2019. Long has an offer sheet that includes Nevada, Arizona State, Kansas, UNLV, and New Mexico.
WR Jode McDuffie (5-10, 170) – St. John Bosco – 3-Star
After taking passes from former five-star QB DJ Uiagalelei, a starter as a true freshman for Clemson, McDuffie has shown his toughness. In 2019, St. John Bosco won a MaxPreps national championship seeing McDuffie work against top national competition for 595 yards off 30 receptions with nine touchdowns.
CB Bryce Phillips (6-0, 170) – Orange Lutheran – 3-Star
One of many California players needing that senior season to show how far his game has come along. Working opposite older brother Clark Phillips (Utah), Bryce Phillips was put to the test in 2019 at La Habra coming up with 25 tackles, two picks, and a team-high eight passes defended.
QB Cole Lourd (6-2, 200) – Brentwood – 3-Star
Another gun for an arm that can make all the Saturday throws waiting for the right fit. Lourd earned first team All-CIF honors in 2019 after throwing for 3,100 yards with 32 touchdowns and rushing for 213 with six more touchdowns produced. His offer sheet has 14 teams on it.
WR/DB Vance Jefferson (6-0, 190) – Poway – 3-Star
Another versatile athlete with great grades holding five offers that vary from Arizona State, Colorado State, and Holy Cross.
WR Bryson Reeves (6-3, 195) – St. Francis – 3-Star
Bryson Reeves shines on offense at receiver after producing a 58-reception, 995-yard, 10-TD junior season, but is a three-way player for his squad. After earning Angelus League Offensive MVP honors his offer sheet has kept adding friends all the way north of 20.
SS Calvin Pitcher (6-1, 203) – Centennial – 3-Star
Sharing that Calvin Pitcher is a strong safety for Centennial High School should be enough to draw offers from all the Mountain West and Pac-12 programs in the area. His junior season was a big one for the national powerhouse Huskies putting an end to 61 plays, and he keeps getting better.
WR/SR Rashaun Ramsey (5-11, 175) – Adelanto – 3-Star
That speed burner that can get vertical, play in the slot, and contribute on special teams at the next level. One of the bigger passed over players in California. His junior run produced 537 yards off 37 receptions with seven touchdowns, 139 yards on the ground with two scores, and 500-plus return yards.
Photo credit: RNG; Donovan Smith