Interview: 5-Star 2021 LB Raesjon Davis Talks Monarchs Football and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

From the outside looking in, being a five-star recruit may seem like life on easy street. But for Class of 2021 linebacker Raesjon Davis, it is anything but easy. Davis (6-1, 220) was a key piece in Mater Dei High School’s repeat for a California and national championship in 2018 coming up with 44 stops, 20.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, one quarterback hurry, one interception, five passes defended, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

The schedule the Monarchs took on a year ago seemed unworldly squaring off against Bishop Gorman (NV), IMG Academy (FL), St. John Bosco (CA) twice, JSerra Catholic (CA), Mission Viejo (CA), Centennial (CA), and De La Salle (CA). But compared to what is coming down the line, perhaps that was “easy”. Of Mater Dei’s 10 regular season games, five teams are nationally ranked in MaxPreps’ Top 20, four of them in the Top 10; No. 9 Centennial (CA), No. 3 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, MD), No. 4 St. John’s (Washington, DC), No. 2 St. John Bosco (Bellflower), and No. 18 JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano).

With a big season ahead, and college coaches across the country watching, Davis sat down for an update interview giving insight on how the Monarchs are looking ahead of a run at a third consecutive state and national title with the latest on his recruiting process.

*Click link for Feb. 22, 2019, RNG interview with Raesjon Davis

Interview

Raesjon, when we last spoke you were about mid-way through your offseason workouts. With all that you have done and putting that to the test in fall camp, where are you seeing the improvements in your game?

“I am getting off the ball faster this year. My hand work and hand-placement is better, especially using that coming off the edge.”

You are that outside linebacker who is all over the field making plays, are you going to be utilized in a different way this season?

“I think we are putting in a defense where I will be behind the ball more. I will not come off the edge as much, but I will be in space making more plays and getting more interceptions.”

Did you get a chance to compete at any college camps over the summer?

“Yes. I went to a Clemson camp and a USC camp, but I wasn’t able to go to others.”

I am excited to hear how the Clemson camp went for you.

“It went well. I worked out with Coach (Brent) Venables (DC); it was great actually.”

And the USC camp, how did that go for you?

“That was good. I worked out with the coaches, got to see how it is there, and we took pictures. USC is a hometown school; it was fun to be there.”

We’ll get to your offers in a minute. First, which schools are showing interest but have not offered you yet?

“Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M, and Clemson.”

How many offers are you sitting on now?

“I have 19 offers.”

Davis’ Offer Sheet (19): Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, Colorado, Florida State, Kansas, LSU, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State, Oklahoma State, USC, UCLA, and Utah

Which schools did you visit this offseason?

“I went to Clemson and USC. I was not able to go to Georgia but had planned to go there.”

Which schools are you planning on visiting during the season?

“I am planning on visiting USC again, UCLA, and an Oregon. I want to check out LSU, Ohio State, and Miami as well.”

Looking to the season. How is the team looking overall?

“We are looking great. We are working hard every day. We are getting ready for a scrimmage today (Thursday) and we are getting ready for Centennial (Corona) to open the season.”

What will be the strengths of the team on defense this season?

“We are really fast. We are young but fast, and we hit hard. We are physical team that brings the hat to each play.”

I am not trying to start a rumor, but this season’s schedule for Mater Dei might be the most challenging ever, if not the most certainly among the top all-time. What is the mindset of the team as the season nears?

“We are taking each game one at a time. We are looking at each opponent one by one and not looking ahead. We are focused on playing hard.”

As a top player on the team, how are you are taking hold of a leadership role making sure all the guys are ready to play?

“For the younger guys, I am trying to show leadership by being poised, knowing what I am doing, and not making any mistakes.”

Which games are you hyped to play this season?

“I am excited to play all the top teams we have on the schedule. Teams like St. John Bosco (CA), St. Frances Academy (MD), St. John’s (DC). I am excited to play all the power house teams and I am excited get better each time we play.”

Beyond a state and national championship, what goals have you set for the upcoming season?

“As a team, I want us to have no losses and I want everyone do their best. I want to be the best I can be for my team to help us win games.”

Raesjon, it was great catching up with you today. I wish you and the Monarchs success this season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Davis family; Raesjon Davis at Clemson and USC