2025 Rankings – Defensive Back Breakdown
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October is here and we have begun updating all of our prospect rankings throughout the website. Last week, we released our first watch list for the 2026 class. The first rankings for that class will come out in January. This week, it’s all about the 2025 class. We’ve updated those rankings to feature the top 75 sophomores in the state. You can check out the full rankings RIGHT HERE. In this post, we’re taking a look at some of the top defensive backs across the 2025 class. In this breakdown, you have one of the top overall prospects, as well as some newcomers that have quickly jumped up the ranks. Stay tuned throughout the week for more 2025 prospect breakdowns. And keep it locked in to Prep Redzone Oklahoma throughout the month for the 2024 and 2023 prospect rankings.
The first time we heard about Jenks defensive back Ashton Cunningham Ashton Cunningham 5’9″ | 135 lbs | DB Union | 2025 State OK was in the summer when we got our preseason questionnaire back from the Trojans. In the section discussing the strongest and fastest players on the team, Cunningham was listed as the fastest member of the Trojan football team. Cunningham is definitely a defensive back on the rise when you combine his size and speed. And as we’ve mentioned several times this fall, the Trojans have been absolutely snake bit by injuries throughout the season but Cunningham has played incredibly well throughout the year. Cunningham has legitimate track speed and he’s been clocked at running the 40 yard dash in 4.4 seconds. That’s showcasing the burners. As Cunningham evolves as a defensive back, combining that with his speed, he’s going to be a prospect on the rise.
Highlights
This might be the last ranking update that Tahlequah sophomore Beckett Robinson Beckett Robinson 6’2″ | 170 lbs | DB Tahlequah | 2025 State OK is listed as a defensive back. In fact, we probably should have just changed his position to athlete during this update. Robinson has been a breakout star for Tahlequah as a slot receiver this fall. You throw on his tape and you see him making play after play on the offensive side of the ball. We still like what Robinson has done on the defensive side as he’s been an outstanding safety that plays centerfield for the Tigers and has ended up coming down with a few interceptions this season, in addition to making tackles in the open field. As an athlete, the thing that jumps off the charts to us when watching the film is his ability to understand angles on the field. Whether it’s on offense or defense, it seems like he always makes the right decision.
At this time last year, we weren’t sure where to list Beggs standout Ryan Grayson Ryan Grayson 6’0″ | 160 lbs | DB Beggs | 2025 State OK when it came to his position but over the last six months, it looks like he’s settled in as one of the best cover corners in the state. Before we get into that, like Robinson at Tahlequah, he also has the ability to be one of the best offensive playmakers on his team. But we think that Grayson’s best position moving forward will be on the defensive side of the ball. Grayson has speed, size and the skills to make him a top five prospect within the state’s 2025 class. Since we started ranking the 2025 class, Grayson has been either #1 or #2 overall in the class. Grayson is part of a Beggs team that has a wealth of young talent on both sides of the ball. And Grayson has the ability to be a standout on both sides. Whether it’s as a running back, wide receiver or defensive back, Grayson is a top prospect in the class.
After spending his freshman season at Carl Albert, defensive back Santanna Landon Santanna Landon 6’0″ | 150 lbs | DB Midwest City | 2025 State OK is now at rival Midwest City and he’s performed incredibly well so far this season for the Bomber defense. Midwest City has to be a team to watch going down the stretch in Class 5A. There isn’t much talk about the teams in that district when you look at the big picture but that makes the Bombers a dangerous team with the playoffs right around the corner. And the thing that has stood out the most about Landon just watching from afar over the last ten months is his confidence. And when you’re talking about a cornerback, who’s on an island on almost every play, you have to be confident in yourself and in your game. You also have to have a short memory and be ready to bounce back if you get beat. And Landon has not been beaten very often so far this season.
Highlights
Another newcomer to this recent ranking update in the state’s 2025 class is Mustang defensive back Waleed Gaines Jr Waleed Gaines Jr 5’11” | 165 lbs | DB Mustang | 2025 State OK . This prospect is not only a newcomer, but he’s one on the rise. Similar to Cunningham at Jenks, Gaines is going to be a name to watch moving forward at the cornerback position. We checked him out in person earlier this season when the Broncos fell to Union at home. Despite the loss, Gaines was one of the top standouts on the defensive side of the ball for Mustang. Gaines doesn’t do what some young defensive backs do when trying to make a tackle. Gaines will actually wrap up and bring the ball carrier to the ground and not just go for a big hit. We didn’t know much about Gaines coming into that game against Union and he’s definitely on our radar for the 2025 class moving forward. He’s one of the best tacklers in the 2025 DB group that we’ve watched.