2025 Watch List: 5 Up and Coming DB’s

Outside of the QB position, playing DB is one of the most difficult positions to play in all of sports. The movement it takes to be a great DB is very unconventional to typical bodily movement, that technique, practice, and pure athleticism are the key factors that make a DB great. Because of this, as well as the physical maturity it often times takes to play the position, it is very difficult to find young talent that is effective at Corner, and Safety. Regardless, there are always a few players who seem to break the mold each year, and prove that they are a unique breed of talent. Below, we have listed the top up and coming DB's in the 2025 class. If you have a moment to give them a look, we doubt that you will be disappointed. <strong>Jaylen Bell-</strong> Grayson There is no denying that Jaylen Bell is going one of the best, if not, the best, DB in his class within the state of Georgia. His movement skills are already far beyond what players typically display at his age. As proof, he has already received Power 5 offers due to this. Last season, Bell showed that he can play with good bend, and that he can transition out of his breaks cleanly, making it easier for him to stick to receivers and make plays on the ball. Bell also showed that he can turn and run smoothly, with little wasted movement, and that his speed and burst alone can help him to shut down receivers. In addition to this, we also love the way that Bell flips his hips, and transitions well, even when he is in awkward positions. Regardless of age, this is incredibly hard to do, and we have no doubt that he will become a great player in the coming years. <strong>Jarrett Brown-</strong> Harvester Christian Academy While there is not much film on Brown, the little you can find reveals that he has plenty of upside as a DB due to his movement skills, and his ability to shadow receivers, and make plays on the ball. As a Freshman last season, he already managed to have a positive effect on his defense, as he helped to snag for interceptions for his defense. This is largely due to the way he positions himself when the ball is in the air, as well as the way he stays in the hip pocket of receivers. Along with this, he also has decent bend, and okay footwork. Look for him to continue to grow into his frame and ability as he gets older, but as of right now, count him as one of the DB's to look out for in his class. <strong>Cedric Hillmon-</strong> Turner County While Hillmon can run a bit weird at times, there is no denying his speed, and burst out of his breaks. He is most definitely one of the top up and coming DB's in his class due to the way that he plays a very natural, fluid, and reactive brand of football. Due to this, he always finds himself around the football, and in good position when in man to man coverage. He can certainly get lost in space at times, but we feel that he has a high amount of upside due to the way that he sticks to defenders, and that this can help outweigh his inexperience. Next season, look for him to continue to shoot up the rankings, as he will more than likely develop into his frame, improve in his burst, and clean up his footwork in his second year. <strong>Johnny Blue-</strong> Bethlehem Christian Out of this entire list, Blue may have one of the better, and more polished frames for his age. He already has a long frame, which has proven to be effective for him in coverage. This length helps him to make plays on the ball, including picks, and pass break ups. With this, Blue also does a good job of bending, and using his explosive ability to put him in position to get out of his breaks, and shadow movement well. One of the things we would like to see Blue improve in is his ability to play fast, and physical without hesitation. At times, he can be a tad slow, or stiff to react due to his lack of time in the system. Next season, look for Blue to take a step forward in his progression, only helping his stock to rise even more. <strong>Jayce Jones-</strong> Cherokee Even though Jones may play a bit high at times within his stance, we still feel that his body control is further beyond plenty of players his age. Not only does he control his body well within the air, but he also does so with great spatial awareness. Jones can also be seen to take great angles when making tackles, with his footwork putting him in position to break on the ball create plays. Jones also has proven to play with great speed and burst, but we feel that any technical work he can do on the way he gets out of his breaks, turns and runs, and flips his hips will only help to make him better next season, and down the line as one of the top up and coming DB's in his class. &nbsp;