Interview: 4-Star 2021 CB Jaylin Davies Covers Recruiting and LSU Visit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is a reason Mater Dei High School has won back-to-back national championships (MaxPreps). The Monarchs lost one game on the field to Trinity League rival St. John Bosco, the No. 2 ranked team in the country, during the regular season but avenged the defeat in the Southern Section CIF championship on the way to capturing an overall California state title. The brutal schedule played and championship hoisting at mid-field would have been impossible without guys like Class of 2021 cornerback Jaylin Davies balling out.
Davies is yet another very talented skill player rising up on the Monarchs roster. The 6-0, 165, corner makes life exceedingly difficult for receivers, quarterbacks, and running backs trying to get to the edge. He shutdown 25 plays during his sophomore season with 23 solo stops, broke up 10 passes and forced a fumble. The off-the-field result was six offers being extended from Utah, Oregon, Michigan, Florida State, Arizona, and Oklahoma, and interest continues to pour in for Davies.
Fresh off a visit to LSU and with big national camps and 7v7 tournaments coming up, there was a lot to cover in an RNG exclusive one-on-one interview with Davies.
Interview
Jaylin, looking back on the 2018 season, what was that feeling like for you winning CIF and taking home the state title?
“It was a great feeling, and knowing that I have two more years… it was a great feeling.”
Some people may not understand how talented the Monarchs are across the board. What is a typical Mater Dei football practice like?
“We are always going 100 percent. I am always talking to the receivers trying to get them better, communicating on defense, and trying new things in practice. It is like a game, we practice like we play. We go full-speed, call switches and formations, and get after each other.”
How would you compare practice to some of the games?
“Practice is about the same… maybe the games are a little easier. In the games you are prepared, you know what to do after our practices.”
Which game last season was your best?
“My best was the championship game against St. John Bosco (won 17-13).”
What did you do well in that game to make it your best?
“I made sure their leading scorer did not get us. I limited him to three catches in the game.”
Was there a receiver and/or receiver and quarterback duo that challenged you last year?
“The best challenge last season was probably Bosco. DJ (Uiagalelei) is a pro-style QB. He plays with timing and they have good receivers. They are one of the best ones in our league.”
How did that challenge make you better?
“It helped me mature faster. If something happens, you have to keep your head in the game. Going against good talent always makes me better.”
How do you feel your game improved last season?
“I got smarter, my football IQ improved. I became more patient. I learned a lot playing with Jeremiah (Criddell). Last season I learned a lot of the little things that helped me improve.”
What are all the things you do well on the field?
“I’m good at reading offenses and breaking down offenses, especially on bunches and coverages. Playing man-to-man is one of my things. I can go on an island by myself.”
Is there an aspect to your game you feel may get overlooked?
“My physical play. I am physical, I like to hit. I don’t think coaches see that. I try to get a big hit in every game.”
What all are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on catching, I want more interceptions. I dropped a couple last season. I am working on my hands and my footwork and trying to get bigger.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring, if so, which team are you playing with this year?
“I am playing 7v7 with Ground Zero.”
Are you going to any camps and/or combines coming up?
“Yes. I am going to the Nike Opening in LA, Adidas, and I am playing in some big tournaments with Ground Zero.”
With recruiting, how many offers do you have now?
“I have six offers.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“LSU, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, North Carolina, and Stanford are showing interest.”
Have you had a chance to take any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes. I have visited Florida, Arizona Sate and I visited LSU last weekend.”
How did the LSU visit go?
“It was great. I met Coach O (Ed Orgeron – head coach) and I talked to their DB coaches (Bill Busch and Corey Raymond).”
What all did you do during the visit?
“We visited the school, took a tour of their facility, saw the weight room, and went on the field. We were out there for SPE Camp.”
How did the Florida visit go?
“It was great. Florida is nice. We talked to the coaches and saw their facilities.”
Do you have any planned visits you may take upcoming?
“I am hoping to visit Oregon this spring.”
Last question. When you are not doing a football related activity, what are you doing away from the game and school work for fun?
“I am hanging out with my friends, playing video games, but I am always doing something related to football.”
Jaylin, it was great going in-depth with you today on your game and recruiting process. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Davies family; Jaylin Davies with Ed Orgeron – LSU