'27 Iowa Defensive Backs Ready to Rise in 2025

The in-state 2027 Class is packed with prime-time prospects. Depth of talent also highlights this cycle in Iowa. Defensive back is one of the positions with plenty of potential.   Here's a look at guys colleges should be checking in on:    Clayborne enjoyed a productive sophomore season for the Black Raiders in 2024. The versatile athlete racked up 40.5 tackles, 19 of which were of the solo variety. He recorded 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack. As a tight end, he caught nine passes for 95 yards. I could see college programs preferring him on either side of the ball. Clayborne is a menace as a flexible defender capable of dropping into coverage or lining up off the edge. He's fast and physical, making him a tough matchup whether the opposition is trying to block him or stick with him in coverage. He's a willing and able blocker. You can see it all on full display by checking out his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19342604/6717c7c4f974b52b0a3354e6">10th-grade video highlights</a>.     Urbandale's defense received a shot in the arm from Chulu. The sophomore delivered 48.5 tackles, 43 of which were of the solo variety, and an interception. He also returned kicks. All of that speaks to his athleticism and speed. That's what stood out to me when I scouted him at Iowa City West last fall. As we can witness while watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19669044/6733cd2d4907b00f8224630f">10th-grade highlight video</a>, Chulu has a lot in his bag. He can play box safety and stuff the run or line up in the slot. Chulu runs well sideline to sideline, owns a smooth back-peddle and flips his hips fluidly. He lists receiver as a secondary position on his Hudl page, and it's easy to envision his skills working well there.     The Bulldogs fielded a salty defense in 2024, and Nielsen was a big reason for its success. The sophomore produced 31.0 tackles, 27 of which were solo and one that went for lost yardage. Nielsen also intercepted a pair of passes. During his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19864078/6761d4475d62d1b766a2097a">10th-grade highlight video</a>, Nielsen jumps off of the film. He's a free safety that can move around the defensive formation. Nielsen looks especially proficient at covering the slot. His physicality and hard-nosed approach make him effective against the run, too. Nielsen is a student-athlete that can help on special teams at the next level as well.     I scouted Kelley in person on a couple of occasions last season. He stuck out as a student-athlete that enjoys the competition and has a winning desire. It shows up on both sides of the ball in physicality and intensity. Kelley piled up the second most tackles among Spartans in 2024. His 50.0 total stops included 38 that were solo. Kelley intercepted four balls as well. He averaged 24.5 yards on 12 kick returns, 14.3 on 11 punt returns and caught a team-high 54 passes for 675 yards and seven touchdowns. On Kelley's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20148817/673286a1917f8692743058b3">sophomore highlight video</a>, you see the player described above, one capable of contributing in all three phases. The offensive clips reveal a dynamic receiver that's able to go up and get it or blow right by you. Kelley is DB that stuffs the run and can blanket receivers.     Lee is a high-end athlete that could fit in at multiple positions on the next level. He played quarterback, caught passes and returned punts last season. His greatest contributions came at cornerback, however, where Lee intercepted four passes and registered 10 solo tackles. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19450101/6704130c3738c4bd355c9624">video of top plays</a> through the middle of last season is a quick watch but gives us a glimpse into how Lee succeeds. Preparation leading to recognition is the foundation. The first clip shows Lee diagnosing a play quickly, leading to a pick. He reads the ball well in the air. The film shows him making an acrobatic catch deep down the field as a receiver, too. It will be interesting to monitor Lee's development there.     Beachem served notice last season that he's a big play waiting to happen. As a receiver, the sophomore turned seven catches into 161 yards with a touchdown. He averaged 12.7 yards on seven punt returns. Beachem shined the brightest on defense, however. He picked off six passes, taking half of them to the house. And twenty four of his 29.0 tackles were solo. Beachem's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18253405/673caa123b3b811a9dd2113b">2024 highlight video</a> reveals a cornerback with smooth actions back-peddling and in changing directions. The operation positions him to go get the ball when he's challenged and discourages plenty of throws. Beachem breaks quickly on throws to deflect what he can't intercept. The receiver clips impress, too. His speed and athleticism play well there.

The in-state 2027 Class is packed with prime-time prospects. Depth of talent also highlights this cycle in Iowa. Defensive back is one of the positions with plenty of potential.