The most Elite DBs in the Class of 2024
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As the 2023 recruiting cycle comes to a close, recruiting for the class of 2024 is heating up. One of the most sought-after positions in football is defensive back, and the 2024 class boasts some of the most talented prospects…
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Continue ReadingAs the 2023 recruiting cycle comes to a close, recruiting for the class of 2024 is heating up. One of the most sought-after positions in football is defensive back, and the 2024 class boasts some of the most talented prospects in recent memory. In this article, we will be highlighting the five best defensive backs in the class of 2024. These players have all shown exceptional skill on the field and have the potential to make a significant impact at the college level and beyond. Whether it’s their speed, coverage ability, or ball skills, these athletes have what it takes to be elite defenders!
Jacob Oden Jacob Oden 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB Harper Woods | 2024 State MI | Harper Woods | Hudl
It’s no secret that Oden was a big priority for The University of Michigan, and as some say, “the best players in Michigan go to MICHIGAN.” With Jacob’s commitment to the Wolverines, this truly solidifies him as the #1 DB in the class, and this serves as a great time to touch on his tape.
Generally, Oden is an all-around great athlete who can play any skill position. Just recently, some recruiting sites changed Oden’s position to “ATH,” and that’s because there’s a bounty of highlights as a receiver and return man. Still, most of his recruitment cycle was as a DB. Now, the best thing I can say about Oden is that there is very little wasted movement in his game. He can play slot DB, go on the outside, or play safety. He’s fantastic in soft coverage and has immensely fast closing speed once the ball is thrown. When the ball in thrown his way, he’s very calculated in breaking up the pass or if he can, going for the interception. What I see in Oden’s game as a DB isn’t the flashiest, but it’s some of the most fundamentally sound DB play I’ve seen.
Jamir Benjamin Jamir Benjamin 5'10" | 175 lbs | DB West Bloomfield | 2024 State MI | West Bloomfield | Hudl
Here’s another absolutely elite DB prospect with many Power 5 offers. In fact, Jamir committed to Stanford a few months ago! The Stanford commitment not only shows his athletic prowess but it also shows he’s holding it down in the classroom. Athletically, Jamir is the full package. This is an athlete that’s been going at it since Middle School, and one who has never shied away from the competition. What I like most about Jamir is his instincts. Sure, he’s excellent in coverage, but I really like his understanding of the opposing offense, and his ability to close in on his man, or another ball carrier extremely quickly. He’s aggressive with stopping a ball carrier, and has little wasted movement during coverage. He’s more than proven himself with offseason camps/tourneys & he’s a massive pickup for Stanford!
Jalen Todd Jalen Todd 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB Southfield A&T | 2024 State MI | Southfield A&T | Hudl
Jalen Todd Jalen Todd 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB Southfield A&T | 2024 State MI is a guy I’ve barely discussed, but he’s a lock for the #3 DB in Michigan. Just one ranking spot behind Jamir, Jalen has over 20 Division 1 offers as he’s significantly improved over the past year. Jalen is the best zone player in the class and the best playmaking DB. I love how disciplined and QUICK he is in coverage. The A&T defense oftentimes confused inexperienced QBs, and gave Jalen the opportunity to make some great plays. Jalen goes for the big play pretty often, but his speed and athleticism make it doable. There are few flaws with his game, and he seems to be another on Michigan’s radar for the 2024 class.
Desman Stephens II Desman Stephens II 6'2" | 205 lbs | DB Clarkston | 2024 State MI | Clarkston | <a href="http://<iframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15111422/6317507d6e8b950d18c5bca1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen>Hudl
I’ve always loved what Desman provides to his team. This is a rangy, tall DB that can fly all over the field, hit hard, and make plays on defense and offense. Watching him play against Davison, I was very impressed with the skill be brought to all phases of the game. I personally love taller DB’s, and I strongly feel that Stephens deserves many more P5 offers. Desman is great in man-to-man coverage, though there are times where he loses half a step on a guy. When that happens, his 6’3 body makes up for this, and he’s able to make some great plays on the ball.
Ty Hudkins Ty Hudkins 6'0" | 190 lbs | DB Forest Hills Central | 2024 State MI | Forest Hills Central | Hudl
Ty is another prospect that’s been high on my list for a while. I remember ranking him quite high a year ago, before any offers, and now he just picked up an offer from Minnesota! Needless to say, Ty had a phenomenal season with more pressure than ever. Last fall, he seamlessly transioned to playing on both sides of the ball. As a receiver, he showcased his speed and elusiveness. As a safety, he’s as rangy as they some and can lay the wood. His change of direction is incredible, speed is amazing, and this is one of the primer prospects in the Grand Rapids area.