Elite Running Back Recruit Malaki Davis Pulls Back the Curtain on USC Trojans Visit

Corona Centennial (Calif.) 2028 three-star running back Malachi Davis was in awe of the USC Trojans from the moment he pulled up on campus Tuesday. He got an in-depth look at the football program and the school with his parents, older sister and little brother.

“It was a really fun day from how the coaches treated me, welcomed me and came up and introduced themselves to my family as well," Davis said.

USC Trojans' Practice Environment And Coach Anthony Jones Make a Strong Impression

USC Trojans Lincoln Riley Anthony Jones Spring Practice Visit Malaki Davis Corona Centennial Mater Dei Quentin Hale Recruit — Sep 3, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts in the second half against the Rice Owls at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Davis attended the running backs meeting where USC coach Anthony Jones introduced him to the room when he walked in. The Trojans hit the field for the 12th time this spring as they began their final week with a padded practice.

“I really like the intensity. Coach said you came to a good practice because we going to be lit,” Davis said. “He put his word in, they was hitting. Everyone was hyped, jumping around, people singing and dancing. That’s what I like to see at a practice. Everyone on each other and happy to be there.”

Davis got an up-close look at the Trojans running backs coach and the room as whole on the field, which left his impression. He even had extended talk with Jones about his own game.

“They look pretty solid, especially with the incoming freshman. I really think they gonna do what they gotta do as a group. It was cool being able to talk with someone at that level and just let him tell me different things to improve on and what things I got at this level right now.”

Jones has quickly made a strong impression on Davis. Jones attended Centennial’s college showcase in late January and then two days later, Davis picked up an offer from his hometown school. But it’s more than just Jones’ coaching style that has drawn Davis to him.

“His personality, the way he was talking to my family," Davis said. "It just seems like outside of being a coach, he would be a good person to get to know.”

Former Illinois running back Dre Brown during a 2019 game against the Iowa Hawkeyes — Nov 23, 2019; Iowa City, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Brandon Peters (18) and running back Dre Brown (25) in action against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

In addition to being around Jones, Davis also spent time around assistant general manager Dre Brown, who played running back himself at Illinois, in the facilities and on the field. Tuesday was also the first opportunity Davis got to meet USC coach Lincoln Riley.

“He’s a cool person, really down to earth,” Davis said. “My dad said the same thing when he was talking to him”

Extended Look Around the USC Trojans' Campus

Davis spent an extended period of time at USC. He got a tour around campus with Jones and was impressed by the buildings, he plans to major in real estate, and the way his family was treated. He was blown away and wants to return to school very soon.

“Just the people. The tour guide she was really nice, so were the coaches and it just made me feel welcomed," Davis said. "My family felt the same way as well. I want to get a connection with the players and coaches. I just want to get more of a feel of it.”

The family aspect is very important to Davis and something that has made Jones stand out. He would ask Davis’ siblings what they thought of the university on their tour. In addition to recruiting Davis, the Trojans coach has been getting to know his family and recruiting them as well.

“It’s not just me, he’s looking out for the whole family as well,” Davis said.

Keeping Southern California Recruits in Southern California

Davis’ high school teammate, 2027 four-star wide receiver Quentin Hale, committed to the Trojans in February. Davis says Hale has told him USC is “the place to be” and raved about the coaching staff. Hale is one of eight commits in the Trojans No. 4 recruiting class, all of whom are from Southern California.

Davis' most recent visit to campus allowed him to see a wave of Southern California natives wearing the Cardinal and Gold. And for the 2026 class, it's a number of players that Davis faced in high school.

“It was pretty nice seeing everybody staying at home," Davis said. "You don’t have to go out of state to be something. You can stay at home because USC is that big school. It’s cool seeing the four and five-stars going to USC, so you know they going to do something this year.”

Centennial’s Brutal 2026 Schedule

Centennial is one of the premier schools not just in the state of California but in the entire country. Under the direction of legendary high school coach Matt Logan, they consistently find themselves in the top 10 of the national rankings.

The school released its 2026 schedule on March 12, which features out-of-conference matchups against Mater Dei, Servite and Santa Margarita. Centennial faced off against Trinity League powers Mater Dei and Santa Margarita twice last season. They will also head up to Northern California to face powerhouse Del La Salle to close out their non-conference in late September, a matchup that has Davis’ attention.

“I feel excited cause all these big schools. It just means everyone’s gonna be watching," Davis said. "I feel like if I do what I gotta do, everyone is going to be like ‘he a dog,’ and that’s what I want people to say about me. Hopefully by the grace of God, I’m able to do what I gotta do on that field.”

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