UNLV, Mississippi State and now Alabama chase ‘the biggest recruit in MJC history’
The University of Louisville, Arizona State University, Mississippi State University, Sacramento State and the University of Memphis are in various parts of the country and play in different conferences. But they have one thing in common.
Each school wants Modesto JC defensive back Alius Mayo.
“He’s the biggest recruit in MJC history,” Pirates head coach Rusty Stivers said. “You can go back to all the big-time players that we’ve had. Having a skill position that’s getting offered by an SEC school, it’s never happened before.”
Now, Mayo can add the University of Alabama, one of the most well-known programs in college football, to the list of offers.
Mayo received the offer June 17 and was on the Alabama campus for an official visit from June 18-20.
He has 12 offers, according to 24/7 Sports, and head Stivers is confident more will come. Mayo will play his second season with the Pirates in what they hope will be a long, successful fall campaign.
Mayo is 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, a unique size for defensive backs at any level. The product of Lincoln of Stockton has one more season at MJC before leaving for what many anticipate will be a successful continuation of his college career.
But he is more than just his physical traits; his stats stand out too.
During his freshman season, Mayo finished second on the team with five pass breakups and added an interception. He had 30 total tackles and a tackle for loss in the 11 games he played. He was also named an All-Valley Conference First Team member.
Stivers said his spring may have been more impressive than his first year on the field.
Mayo has shown his athleticism with around a 10-foot broad jump and playmaking ability in offseason workouts and practices.
“Six-four guys don’t usually move the way he moves,” Stivers said. “He’s extremely physical, and the thing I liked about him is in the spring was when he made big plays, it’s like it was no big deal. And if a guy is lucky enough to beat him, he claps his hands, says ‘Good job’ and then moves on. The way he competed in the spring was like a true pro.”
This story was originally published June 23, 2026 at 11:43 AM.
