Taylor Mays is known as a former Husky who could land crushing blows and punish opponents. He's now bringing that energy to the recruiting ranks as the defensive back coach at Washington. He's now been able to land one of his top targets in the 2027 recruiting class, Isala Wily-Ava. A consensus 4-star safety who has nearly 30 offers to choose from.
Wily-Ava chose the Huskies thanks to Mays' recruiting pitch and recognizing Mays' own history as a Husky and eventually an NFL player. According to Greg Biggins, Wily-Ava said, "Taylor Mays was a great safety back in the day and made it to the League and I know he can help me get there too."
BREAKING: Late night commitment, Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco DB Isala Wily-Ava has committed to Washington and broke down why he chose the Huskies
— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) May 16, 2026
"Taylor Mays ( UW DB coach) was a great safety back in the day and made it the to the League (NFL) and I know he can help me… pic.twitter.com/HOkELeAOMb
4-star Isala Wily-Ava has committed to Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies
Related: Jedd Fisch has now offered 2 Australian NFL Academy recruits and both are monsters
Wily-Ava was listed as one of the blue-chip prospects to watch for the Huskies back in January. At the time, it looked like it was going to be a battle between Michigan and Washington. With visits lined up and even some dark horses like Ohio State, Texas A&M, and Arizona State.
Beck Parsons said this about Wily-Ava: "The Wolverines are making moves, but Fisch clearly isn’t one to be outdone. Two days after Powell’s visit, Fisch, safeties coach Taylor Mays, and inside linebackers coach Brian Odom made a group visit to St. John Bosco’s 2025 Polynesian Bowl honoree."
Ultimately, it was Jedd Fisch who reeled in the prized safety target, who comes with a heavy Taylor Mays endorsement.
Wily-Ava is a 6'2, 195 pound safety that has natural instincts, speed, and pad-hitting tackles. He projects as a elite college saftety if he reaches his full potential and develops the way many think he will.
The Huskies were already listed as the No. 13 recruiting class in the nation for 2027. Wily-Ava's commitment will push them up into or near the top-10 as Fisch looks to have back-to-back top classes.
The 4-star safety is the first defensive back commitment in the class and, of course, the first safety to come into the fold, too. It's an important addition for the Dawgs at a position that always needs plenty of depth and talent. A position group that Washington has been known to produce elite talent year after year through multiple coaching staffs.
Add us as a preferred source on Google