USC caps recruiting rise by signing Mater Dei's Raesjon Davis

On paper, last February, it probably would’ve seemed like a pipe dream: The top high school football prospect in the nation. After landing one of the state’s top 20 prospects a year ago, USC signed nine in its 2021 class, the most it has claimed in-state of that caliber since 2004. “I’ve always said that some guys can elevate you and elevate an entire staff and Donte was one of those guys that elevates the people that are around him.” USC signed nine four-star defenders, plus the five-star Foreman, in its 2021 class, six of whom are defensive backs. Foreman is expected to make an immediate impact as a pass rusher; last month, defensive line coach Vic So’oto said he planned to line him up “wherever there’s a weakness.” Davis, who has excelled as a pass rusher and an off-ball linebacker, noted that an early opportunity to play was a draw at USC. “When you turn on the tape, he’s kind of what college football’s going to — a guy who can cover a receiver through the middle of the field in Cover-2, a guy that’s great out in space to be able to run the ball down, physical enough in between the tackles in the run game, and truly can apply pressure in blitz situations, so he checks off every box.” USC checked the final box in its recruiting turnaround Wednesday.