Lockdown Defensive Backs Prospect List (Part 1)
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Every Sunday and throughout the week following Friday HS Football Game Day, Prep Redzone scout Drew Johnson will be highlighting some of the standouts and notable performances from the weekend. Teams around the state kicked off week one and there…
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Continue ReadingEvery Sunday and throughout the week following Friday HS Football Game Day, Prep Redzone scout Drew Johnson will be highlighting some of the standouts and notable performances from the weekend. Teams around the state kicked off week one and there were certainly some “Game Changers” and Notable Prospects to note. Starting this week, we will be highlighting some of the top stat producers this season who deserve the spotlight. Some of these kids are committed to college programs while others are being slept on but No Doubt this is the RealDeal Prospect List of some recruits who can play at the next level.
Note: If you feel we missed a prospect or have a notable athlete worth mentioning, DM me @RealNews102.
Jameson Young Jameson Young 6'2" | 155 lbs | DB Lakeland | 2024 FL | DB | 2024 | Lakeland | @jamesonyoung12
It has been multiple consecutive weeks that no one has targeted Young who had established Jamo Island early this season. Still shows up in the tackling department which is key to not getting bored out there and working on your game. He’s likely the top coverage corner in the county and making a case for top prospects for his position.
Brandon Jacob Brandon Jacob 6'2" | 170 lbs | DB Orlando Evans | 2024 State FL | DB | 2024 | Evans | @Thereallkingbj_
2023 stats: 62 total tackles, 4.0 TFL, 2 INT
The Maryland Terps commit has put on a show for Evans this season, nearly leading the team in total tackles and interceptions. Jacob is one of the top defensive back commits in the Central Florida area with good coverage skills and sure tackling capabilities.
Ayden Pouncey Ayden Pouncey 6'3" | 165 lbs | DB Winter Park | 2026 FL | DB | 2026 | Winter Park | @AydenPouncey
2023 stats: 21 total tackles, 3 INTs
Pouncey was one of the first DB prospects that caught my eye at the Elite Defensive Back Showcase this summer because of his long frame. He had a solid performance at the off-season showcase and has flashed his P5 abilities throughout the season. The sophomore displays a good ability to flip his hips while using body control to drive through the ball to disrupt passes. Have to get my eyes on him when it’s time to compete against other talented receivers but his potential upside is clear as day.
Offers: 16 offers
Devin Jackson Devin Jackson 6'2" | 185 lbs | DB Winter Garden West Orange | 2026 FL | DB | 2026 | West Orange | @DevinJackson010
2023 stats: 58 total tackles, 1 INT
Jackson has been one of my top DOG standouts because he wasn’t afraid to step up and show off his technical skills in coverage while providing reliable tackling. The West Orange product has plenty of time to sharpen his bag of skills and see a big uptick in offers.
Offers: UF
Keon Young | DB | 2025 | Lakeland | @KeonYoung55
I’m telling you now, Young is a 5-star product. Young did all he could on the defensive side of the ball against a talented CAI team but it was more than effort but big game-changing plays made by Young that stamped him as the Real Deal. He had a 95-yard interception and also was a few yards away from another. That was two interceptions for Young and can’t forget to mention his ability to tackle and cover in man or zone. A really versatile prospect that’ll be at a Power 5 school.
Cori Smith | DB | 2024 | Seminole | @GoofyCori11
2023 stats: 65 total tackles, 3.0 TFL, 2.0 INTs, 5.0 pass deflections
A DOG and versatile prospect with great upside who leads his team in multiple categories as a defensive back: total tackles, INTs, and pass deflections.
Vern Woodward III | Class of 2024 | Winter Park | @_vern1
2023 stats: 20 total tackles, 2 INTs
It was good to see the rising senior Woodward for the first time. The Illinois commit looks the part as he has a good frame and size to be a playmaker in various spots on the defense. Has the physical attributes combined with the mentality to help in the box but does have good hips and coverage skills for the corner position.
Recent Offers: Illinois Commit
Jaydon Williams | DB | 2024 | Bartow | @863_jayy1
In the world of high school football, few players are as versatile and dynamic as senior defensive back Jaydon Williams. He has been a key piece for (6-1) Bartow High School this season, displaying his ability to excel at multiple positions on the field. At 5-11, 181 pounds, he’s a true swiss army knife, capable of making a big impact wherever needed.
Jaelen Waters Jaelen Waters 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Seffner Armwood | 2026 FL | DB | Class of 2026 | Armwood | @Jaelen_waters9
2023 stats: 20 total tackles, 2 INTs
It’s already been established by PRZ that Waters will be a big-time DB prospect at the next level. The rising sophomore has provided solid coverage against tough squads this season and even recorded some game-changing interceptions/pass breakups.
CJ Cresser | DB | 2026 | CAI | @CJCressser
What a way to put yourself on the map. Cresser has provided solid coverage throughout the season in both man and zone coverages. It’s the developing IQ at the position that separates him from prospects his age.
Xavion Griffin | DB | Class of 2024 | Vero Beach | @xaviongriffin15
One thing that solidifies a reliable defensive back is the swagger and ability to walk the walk after talking the talk. Griffin was easily the most vocal kid at the camp but was dominant during the 1v1 period, getting about 10 reps or more because he was ready to go. Really good coverage skills and recovery speed to make plays on the ball. I like his game and will have eyes on him as the fall season approaches.
Best of the Rest: *REAL DEAL BALLERS
Ashton Hampton Ashton Hampton 6'2" | 175 lbs | DB Tallahassee FSU High | 2024 State FL | ATH | 2024 | FSUHS | @A2hton_
2023 stats: 40 total tackles, 3 INT, 2.0 TFL
Maliki Wright Maliki Wright 6'0" | 180 lbs | DB Orlando Dr. Phillips | 2025 State FL | ATH | 2025 | Dr. Phillips | @Malikiwright1
2023 stats: 58 total tackles, 2.0 INTs, 4.0 TFL
Ivan Taylor Ivan Taylor 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Winter Garden West Orange | 2025 State FL | DB | 2025 | West Orange | @ivantay2four1
Milton Garcia | DB | 2024 | Cypress Creek | @MiltonGracia5
2023 stats: 10 INTs
Tavoy Feagin Tavoy Feagin 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Tampa Carrollwood Day | 2024 State FL | DB | 2024 | Carrollwood Day | @feagin_tavoy
2023 stats: 7 INTs
Leroy Roker | DB | 2024 | Bishop Verot | @LeroyRoker10
2023 stats: 6 INTs
Quentin Taylor Quentin Taylor 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Lake Minneola | 2024 State FL | DB | 2024 | Lake Minneola | @QuentinT_3
Cai Bates Cai Bates 5'9" | 175 lbs | DB Orlando Edgewater | 2024 State FL | Class of 2024 | Edgewater | @bates_cai
4-Star Prospect with 40+ offers.
Shareef Jackson | DB | 2026 | Raines | @DREAMSJ23
2023 stats: 7 INTs
Rashad Godfrey | DB | 2024 | Armwood | @RashadGodfreyJr
2023 stats: 33 total tackles, 1 INT
Kensley Faustin Kensley Faustin 5'11" | 170 lbs | DB Naples Palmetto Ridge | 2024 State FL | DB | 2024 | Naples | @FaustinKensley
2023 stats: 46 total tackles, 5.0 TFL, 3 INT
Trenton Gummer Trenton Gummer 5'10" | 160 lbs | DB Orlando Bishop Moore | 2026 FL | DB | Class of 2026 | Bishop Moore | @trentongummer
2023 stats: Targets – 50 Allowed Catches – 8 | Allowed Yards: 97 | Allowed TDs: 0 | PBUs: 13 | INTs: 5 | 32 total tackles
Micah Ragin | DB | 2024 | Tocoi Creek | @MicahRagin
2023 stats: 5 INTs
Jonah Cali | DB | 2024 | Lake Minneola | @Jonah_Cali
Jaylin Allen | DB | 2024 | Godby | @JaylinAllen_
2023 stats: 7 INTs
Anthony Franklin | DB | 2024 | Lake Minneola | @AntFranklinII
TJ Clayton | DB | 2025 | Lake Mary | @iamtj2x
2023 stats: 41 total tackles, 2 INTs
Juan Berchal Juan Berchal 5'10" | 175 lbs | DB Sanford Seminole | 2025 FL | DB | 2025 | Seminole | @JuanBerchal
2023 stats: 29 total tackles, 1 INT
Acetron Ealey | DB | 2024 | Ocoee | @AcetronEaley
2023 stats: 4 INTs
Elyjah Gilyard | DB | 2024 | Mainlalnd | @ElyGilyard1
2023 stats: 17 total tackles, 2 INTs