Washington's Top Safeties (2025-27') Ranked #1-14

Over the next few weeks, we will be breaking down the top athletes at every position in the state of Washington, regardless of class (2025-27). Per usual all rankings are based on who projects highest at the collegiate level.   *Individuals will only be listed on one side of the ball           1.[player_tooltip player_id='1188105' first='J'Isaiah' last='Mitchell'] 6-4 175 27' Puyallup WA OFFERS (4) Washington, Wash St,  BYU, Cal   Mitchell has a stock which has shot through the roof after a breakout freshman season, where he finished with 11 receptions for 166 yards and 2 TDs. His 15.1 yards per catch average and 13 total tackles on D give Puyallup a lot of hope for the future, with so much young talent on the roster. He can play on either side of the ball at the highest level.     2.[player_tooltip player_id='693730' first='Brady' last='Beaner'] 6-0 180 25' Anacortes WA OFFERS (9) Boise St, Air Force, Montana, UC Davis   Brady put together one of the most impressive seasons statewide, totaling 103 tackles and 10 PBU's. Much like his brother the 3* athlete was dominant at the 2A level going for 1300+ yards on 112 touches. His play on the camp circuit helped as well earning recognition at the Northwest Showcase (Western Oregon), the region's premier event.   3.[player_tooltip player_id='1188077' first='Tayven' last='Collins'] 5-10 170 27' Cascade Christian WA OFFERS (2) BYU Nevada   Collins had an unreal freshman season, making 67 tackles, with 10.5 TFL's, and 4 sacks from his safety spot. The Heir football standout landed his first D1 offer last May, projecting as the top safety in WA for the 2027 class and potentially one of the nation's best.    4.[player_tooltip player_id='1136301' first='Bryce' last='Smith'] 6-1 170 25' Bellevue WA OFFERS (6) Arizona, Colorado St, Boise St   One of the fastest rising prospects in the region. Smith played the CB spot but projects as more of a Safety. He was key in the Wolverines recent title run, earning 1st team all KingCo honors with 45 tackles and 3 INTs.    5.[player_tooltip player_id='205682' first='Brock' last='Beaner'] 6-0 190 25' Anacortes WA OFFERS (9) Boise St, Air Force, Montana, UC Davis   The 1st team all-state, 3* athlete, put up one of the most impressive stat lines anywhere, helping Anacortes to the 2A state title. On the year he had 95 total tackles, 9 sacks, 16 TFL's, 2 INTs, and 5 PBU's. Offensively he was equally ridiculous totaling 1,542 rushing & receiving yards and 22 TDs.    6.[player_tooltip player_id='693683' first='Xavier' last='Ahrens'] 6-3 190 25' Curtis WA OFFERS (3) Colorado St, Nevada, Portland St   I could see the 3* recruit blowing up after earning 1st team all-conference honors in back-to-back years. Ahrens helped take the Curtis program to new heights, while finishing 8-3. He is incredibly versatile and should be considered one of the region's top defenders.   7.[player_tooltip player_id='726151' first='Dante' last='Saladino'] 6-3 190 26' Kennedy Catholic WA   Saladino is ranked the top outfielder in Washington and will project at the D1 level on the football field as well. He earned 1st & 2nd team all-conference honors, while projecting on D. He finished the year with 46 tackles and as one of the state leaders in INTs with 6. Offensively he averaged 15 yards per catch, with 619 total yards and 6 TDs.    8.[player_tooltip player_id='652802' first='Elias' last='Tulifua'] 6-0 190 27' Eastside Catholic WA OFFERS (1) Louisville   Another Eastside kid who will likely blow up. The Crusaders went 9-3 last season but were young with numerous 4* type athletes returning. Tulifua will be a double digit D1 offer athlete and is similar in talent to highly ranked 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='402799' first='Wassie' last='Lugolobi'].    9.[player_tooltip player_id='693728' first='Jayden' last='Rice-Claiborne'] 6-1 185 25' Curtis WA OFFERS (1) Nevada   Rice-Claiborne played a lot of CB but will likely project as more of a safety. Watch the film and you see an outstanding tackler with elite anticipation. He finished the year allowing only 1 catch, with 46 tackles, 2 PBUs, and 3 blocked kicks.   10.[player_tooltip player_id='693720' first='Rasaan' last='Thomas'] 6-4 200 25' O'Dea WA OFFERS (1) Nevada   Thomas earned 1st team all-Metro honors and is a physical presence at the Safety spot. Even with his length he will need to work on his first step and side to side agility.    11.[player_tooltip player_id='1136335' first='Bryson' last='Hodges'] 6-3 180 25' Eastlake WA   The 6-3 safety was one of the best defenders in Washington. He excelled offensively with 27 catches for 472 yards and 5 TD's, but likely projects on D. Hodges is incredibly fluid and agile for his size, consistently making difficult tackles and tying the school record for INTs with 6.   12.[player_tooltip player_id='987166' first='Cassius' last='Culpepper'] 6-1 190 26' Rainier Beach WA   One of the fastest rising recruits in the state. The standout baseball player can also play a little football, ranking as one of the fastest DB's in Washington. He has a good size and has a real shot depending on which sport he pursues.    13.[player_tooltip player_id='693686' first='De'Arius' last='Hawkins'] 5-11 175 25' Spanaway Lake WA   Hawkins is one of the most versatile kids in the state and someone that every coach wants on their team. The 1st team all PCL Safety & WR has over 100 tackles in the last 2 seasons, with 2 INTs this past year. On 47 touches he added 428 total yards and 3 TDs offensively.    14.[player_tooltip player_id='1165392' first='Henry' last='Gabalis'] 6-4 190 26' S Archbishop Murphy WA   Gabalis is a big, fast athlete, who can play the Safety or LB spot. The foursome of Jack Sievers, [player_tooltip player_id='987162' first='Hakeim' last='Smalls'], [player_tooltip player_id='1165393' first='Jordan' last='Rife'], along with Gabalis, is one of the best in the NW for the 2026 class. The combination of size and speed with this group speaks for itself.