Interview: 3-Star 2019 Washington DB Davion Gaines Talks Football and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: RyanWrightRNG
The 2017 high school football season was a breakthrough year for Class of 2019 defensive back Davion Gaines. Gaines controlled Stadium High School’s secondary playing corner and free safety coming up with 31 tackles while breaking up six passes and forcing three fumbles. The 6-1, 175-pound, Tacoma area product is working hard over the offseason to help his Tiger squad make a run in the 2018 playoffs while pushing his name up recruiting boards up and down the west coast. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the three-star recruit to learn more about the colleges showing interest in him and the progress made in his game over the offseason.
Interview
Davion, one can tell quickly that you have great play recognition, to what do you attribute that to out on the field?
“I watch the receiver in man or off coverage; I just read the play. In press, I stay on his hip no matter the route. I am always watching his hips. If he is running harder than the last play, I know he is expecting the ball or he is trying to spin me out on a running play.”
For a game last season, how did you prepare during the week?
“Our coach has a film session, I am always up front. After he breaks down the film, I am always asking question. I am the last one in there to make sure I am seeing everything correctly. On game days, I do my daily prayer, tune out everything and focus on the game. Before the game, I am warming up against one of our best receivers which helps me get ready for what I may face.”
What have you been working on this offseason?
“Everything. I am working to perfect my craft. I am training five to six days a week working on my man and off-man coverages, my back pedal, and my technique.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your skillset?
“With my technique. My hips are getting better, I have been stretching a lot. I am more comfortable with my game. The uncomfortable parts of my game, I am working to make those things comfortable.”
You played 7v7 ball with Heir Football this spring, how did that help you?
“it helped me a lot. I get to work on my faults and weaknesses going against the best competition. That will make the season easier. I have been getting live bullets all offseason; I will be ready when the season starts.”
What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
“My best 40 is 4.46.”
Nice. Do you have any upcoming college camps on the schedule?
“On June 2, I will be at an Oregon camp and on June 3, I will be at a Pacific camp.”
You have an offer from Northern Iowa, which other schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Arizona, Oregon, Nevada, Wyoming, Oregon State, Eastern Washington, and BYU are showing interest.”
Which colleges have come by school to see you in-person or to watch you in a workout?
“The schools I have seen in-person this offseason are UNR (Nevada), UNI (Northern Iowa), Wyoming, Arizona, Oregon State, Oregon – they were the first, and UDUB (Washington). UDUB is supposed to come by again to see me in-person this spring.”
What are the college coaches telling you they like about your skills?
“They like my size, how I cover, and my physicality.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits lately?
“Yes. I have visited EWU (Eastern Washington), USC and UCLA.”
How did the visit to EWU go?
“The EWU trip went great. I loved it.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“I am planning on visiting Oregon State, Oregon, and Arizona.”
Do you play any other sports for Stadium?
“Basketball.”
Did you get a poster dunk on anyone this season?
(Laughs) “Yes. I did in the all-star game.”
Back to football. How have spring practices gone for you?
“Spring practices have been great. Everything has been up-tempo. I am learning a lot from our new coaches.”
Will we see you lineup at other spots during your senior year?
“Yes. I will be at safety and receiver, and I will be on special teams.”
Is there one game on the schedule you are already pumped up to play?
“Our first game – Eisenhower. I am looking forward to playing Bonney Lake; they are talking a lot already. I am also looking forward to Lincoln and Wilson. Between all those teams, Wilson and Bonney Lake are the two I am most looking forward to playing.”
Davion, thanks for your time today and good luck at the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Gaines family; Davion Gaines at USC and Eastern Washington