Interview: 4-Star 2021 California CB Jaylin Davies Covers Visits and College Camp Schedule

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

A lot goes into a national championship season, especially at the high school level. For Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA), the Monarchs played a national non-conference schedule and then slugged it out in the toughest league in the nation, the Trinity League. The Monarchs tore through the season taking on all challengers with a defense that suffocated the opposition allowing just 11 points per game. One of the highlighted talents on the field was Class of 2021 corner Jaylin Davies. Davies (6-0, 175) worked his way into earning lockdown status with 25 tackles, 23 solo, one tackle for a loss, 10 pass breakups and one forced fumble. His talent has already attracted 16 offers with top programs still evaluating the four-star recruit.

With Davies set to heat up the recruiting trail with planned visits and some college camps on the summer schedule, it was time to sit down for an RNG catch-up interview.

*Click link for Feb. 8, 2019, RNG interview with Jaylin Davies

Interview

Jaylin, how did spring ball go for you?

“It went well. I worked against Kody Epps (3-star 2020 WR) a lot. He was testing me every day making me work on the little things to improve my game.”

How did the Monarchs’ defense look?

“We looked great. We had lot of young guys stepping up. In the end, we were putting in new stuff for our defense.”

What were the key things you worked on during spring practices?

“I worked on being more vocal as one of the older defensive backs. I wanted to make sure they know what to do, and making sure everyone stays cool and calm.”

How did your game improve over the spring sessions?

“I improved at keeping my eyes down on double moves, staying patient and square, and not relying on my athleticism to make plays.”

Which college programs came by school to meet with you in-person and/or to watch you in practice during the spring evaluation period?

“Every school came by, we have a lot of talented kids at Mater Dei – Clemson, Alabama, LSU, Ohio State… a lot of them came by our school this spring.”

What is that like having a Power 5 football coach on the sidelines for seemingly every practice?

“It definitely makes you go harder. With the coaches there, you make sure you are always working hard and keeping your head straight.”

What feedback are you receiving from college coaches on the things they like about your game?

“They like my technique. Most defensive backs in high school do not have much technique. I can adjust to the receiver and I am using different techniques. They like my height now that I am 6-foot.”

Are you going to any college camps this summer to show off your technique?

“Yes. I am going to Clemson next week and to a USC camp on the 19th. I may attend a Cal and Washington camp as well.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“UCLA is showing a lot, Ohio State, USC, and Alabama.”

How many offers are you up to now?

“I have 16 offers now.”

Wow. You have added 10 since we spoke last. Congratulations.

“Thank you.”

Jaylin Davies’ Offer Sheet (16): Alabama, Arizona, Auburn, Florida State, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA, USC, and Utah

Did you take any visits this offseason?

“Yes. I took one to UCLA.”

How did the UCLA visit go?

“It went great. I was with Coach (DeShaun) Foster (RB) and I saw Coach (Paul) Rhodes (DB).”

What did you get to talk about with Coach Foster and Coach Rhodes?

“They talked about how the players from Mater Dei that came to their school already know the scheme. They talked about how good and easy the fit is in the transition.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“Yes. I am going to USC Monday morning. I am also planning on visiting Clemson.”

What has you excited about visiting USC?

“There are a lot of former players from Mater Dei there. They just got Bru (McCoy) back. I know their graduate assistant defensive backs coach, Coach (Chris) Hawkins; I have known him for years. I have talked to Coach (Greg) Burns (DB) a lot. Also, USC, it is a hometown school.”

Last couple of questions. Who do you have in the NBA Finals?

“Definitely the Warriors. They play with teams in the beginning and then pull it off.”

Are you doing anything fun this summer away from football and working out?

“I plan on hanging with my friends and chilling with my family – stuff like that.”

Jaylin, it was great catching up with you today. I hope the USC visit goes well along with the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Davies family; Jaylin Davies at UCLA