Elite Running Back Recruit Malaki Davis Impressed by USC Trojans Visit

The 2028 three-star prospect got an in-depth look at the football program and campus during his trip to Los Angeles.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:34pm

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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, and was impressed by the intensity of practice, the coaching staff, and the family-oriented atmosphere.

Why it matters

USC is looking to keep top Southern California talent at home, and landing Davis would be a big recruiting win for the Trojans as they build their 2028 class. Davis' high school teammate, a 2027 four-star wide receiver, has already committed to USC, further highlighting the program's ability to attract local prospects.

The details

During his visit, Davis attended the running backs meeting where USC coach Anthony Jones introduced him to the room. He was impressed by the intensity of practice and the energy of the players. Davis also spent time with assistant GM Dre Brown, who played running back at Illinois, and had his first meeting with head coach Lincoln Riley, who Davis described as 'a cool person, really down to earth.' The family aspect of the visit was also important to Davis, as the coaches made an effort to get to know his whole family.

  • Davis visited USC on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • USC coach Anthony Jones first offered Davis a scholarship in late January 2026 after seeing him at Centennial's college showcase.

The players

Malaki Davis

A 2028 three-star running back recruit from Corona Centennial High School in California.

Anthony Jones

The running backs coach for the USC Trojans football team.

Lincoln Riley

The head coach of the USC Trojans football team.

Dre Brown

The assistant general manager for the USC Trojans football team, who previously played running back at Illinois.

Quentin Hale

A 2027 four-star wide receiver recruit from Corona Centennial High School who has already committed to USC.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Malaki Davis, 2028 Three-Star Running Back Recruit

“I really like the intensity. Coach said you came to a good practice because we going to be lit. 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.”

— Malaki Davis, 2028 Three-Star Running Back Recruit

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

— Malaki Davis, 2028 Three-Star Running Back Recruit

What’s next

Davis plans to return to USC's campus in the near future to continue building relationships with the coaching staff and players.

The takeaway

USC's efforts to keep top Southern California talent at home appear to be paying off, as elite 2028 recruit Malaki Davis was impressed by his visit to the Trojans' program and campus. The family-oriented atmosphere and intensity of the team's practice stood out to Davis, who is now eager to return and further explore the possibility of joining the Trojans.