Interview: 4-Star 2021 Mater Dei CB Jaylin Davies Talks Top 7 Schools
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Interested to know how good Class of 2021 cornerback Jaylin Davies really is? He played the 2019 season on a tweaked hamstring and was still able to shutdown five-, four-, and three-star receivers all season long allowing only one receiving touchdown. The 6-1, 180-pound, defender put together a stat line for Mater Dei High School (13-1) of 25 stops, 16 solo, with a tackle for a loss, two picks, and three passes broken up on the way to an end of season No. 2 national ranking by MaxPreps. On March 23, the four-star Southern California prospect released his Top 7 list turning up the heat on upcoming recruiting visits.
During a return visit to the RNG Lab, Davies covers his offseason workouts and talks college football recruiting.
*Click link for Oct. 2019 RNG interview with Jaylin Davies
Interview
Jaylin, the proverbial bull’s eye was on the Monarchs again last season after back-to-back national championships. How does taking another team’s best shot each week help evolve your game throughout a season?
“It makes me stay focused. I know they will try their hardest, we have to as well.”
When 2019 ended, what did you feel were the overall strengths to your game on the gridiron?
“I didn’t focus on my strengths but what I needed to work on. My man coverage was a strength. Last year I guarded all the top receivers we played. The only one that scored against me was (4-star WR) Kris Hutson (Oregon).”
What were some of the coverages you guys executed last season?
“A lot of man and some Cover 3, but mostly man.”
All top players love a good challenge, same for corners going against receivers. Was there a fun matchup that you took on last season in a game that gave you that college feel to what the next level will be like?
“Guarding (4-Star WR) Gary Bryant (Centennial – USC) or (5-Star WR) Rakim Jarrett (St. John’s – Maryland), I know they would be the top dudes in college.”
Which parts of your game are you working on this offseason?
“This offseason I am working on my speed, fixing my legs. Last year, my hamstring was injured during 7v7 season. I was not moving like I should; I was at 75 percent the whole time.”
You are a fixture at corner, but are you taking on any additional roles during your senior year?
“Trying to play punt return, I don’t know what else they have planned yet.”
With recruiting, how many offers do you have now?
“Twenty-four.”
Davies Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, Cal, Florida State, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Oregon State, Texas, UCLA, USC, Utah, and Washington
Did you get any visits in this winter?
“Yes. I went to USC a couple of weeks ago for a basketball game.”
How did that go?
“It was good. I talked to the coaches and spent time Coach Donte Williams (CB). It is always fun up there.”
Did they talk about where they see you in their scheme?
“He wants me to play the field corner position.”
Once things open back up, do you have any planned visits?
“We had planned to see Arizona State on the March 20 for my birthday weekend, UCLA on the 14th, Ohio State on the 14th of April, and Washington was planned for April 24. Texas, I want to see them soon. I am not sure who else I will visit now.”
Of the visits mentioned, will any of them be official visits?
“Some might be official; we are still seeing which ones.”
College football staffs across the country took notice when you dropped your Top 7. Are the top schools still: Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, Washington, USC, Arizona State, and UCLA?
“I made it smaller. I am trying to narrow it down.”
What was the criteria used to narrow down all your offers to seven?
“I want to go to the league; each school has their own plan for their players to get them to the league and a plan for after school. Academics and coaching were a big part of my decision.”
When the time comes to narrow that list down even more, what will the next round of top schools have that makes them different from the others?
“Where I could play faster, I would like to play my freshman year, and which is a better fit.”
Have you started thinking about a commitment date?
“Kind of, but I’m not sure until I take my visits.”
Makes sense. This is my new virus buster question I have been asking everyone. What have you been doing for fun during this downtime to entertain yourself? Are you watching TV shows and movies?
“On Netflix, I’ve been watching some different things; All American and Ozark. I’ve been doing push-ups and playing Madden – stuff like that.”
Is the new season of Ozark any good?
“Started it today. I like it so far.”
Jaylin, it is always great catching up with you. Good luck with your workouts during the off-time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Davies family; Jaylin Davies at USC