Defensive Backs Locking Down the Houston Area

The Houston area is brimming with exceptional talent at the defensive back position. Highlighted below are a few standout players who are carving out their reputations with impressive performances on the field. Whether shining in limited opportunities or dominating as full-time contributors, these athletes have showcased their skills and potential. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they prepare for an exciting offseason and an impactful next season.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Azeem Solabi | Alief Hastings | DB | 2026   From his nickel position, Solabi has shown tenacity in his rushes off the edge and tackling in run support. He is a missile from the slot and will knock opposing players in the dirt when unidentified. Solabi plays with tremendous effort shown in his ability to chase down plays from the backside. He is comfortable in space and does not shy away from contact, delivering pad-popping hits that leave opponents rattled. Solabi is all over the field hunting ball carriers, looking to make stops to benefit his team. He is hard to miss with the activity and motor he brings, and is a name to keep watch of heading into his senior season.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Ellison Collins IV | George Ranch | 2027   Collins physicality pops out in his game. As a rangy defensive back, Collins not only covers much ground in the secondary, but will get downhill and deliver crushing hits to opponents. He is involved in every aspect on the defensive side of the ball, showing strong coverage and ball skills on the deep ball and being a force in run support. Collins displays very good zone awareness and discipline, passing certain routes off and anticipating throws from quarterbacks. His ability to cover so much space with his long strides puts him in position to make plays all over the field. Collins has only shown a fraction of what he is capable of doing and is a player to have on the radar.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   David Obanor | Fulshear | DB | 2027   Obanor showed much promise during his sophomore campaign. He displayed excellent coverage skills, exceling in man coverage both on and off the line of scrimmage. Obanor showed top-notch ball skills, correctly judging the ball in air and taking the correct angles to make plays on throws. He has the confidence needed to play on an island and neutralize any threat across from him. His recognition of plays stood out as well, seeing and reacting accordingly to what was in front of him. Obanor took tremendous steps in his game throughout the season and is a young talent who will be a the top of many lists at the position. His play has not gone unnoticed.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='839236' first='Ofy' last='Adelowo'] | Katy Jordan | CB | 2026   Adelowo shows great technique in his game. He has the agility to stay on the hip of opposing receivers and is physical at the catch point. He is a rangy corner who can knock receivers off their course with strong punches at the line of scrimmage. Adelowo displayed excellent coverage skills and became a player who should not be targeted. He allowed very little separation and created tight windows throw that many opposing quarterbacks could not make. He will be a player to watch closely this offseason to see his growth and development at the position.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1140978' first='Joshua' last='Vilmael'] | Fort Bend Travis | 2027   Vilmael has great fluidity and body control in his play. He shows excellent reaction and burst to close the space between he and the ball. He has the physicality needed to shed blockers and make stops for short gains. Vilmael plays with great speed and effort, showing recovery and closing speed. He gets downhill in a hurry and looks to make momentum shifting plays. In coverage he displays the ability to run and change direction with any offensive opponent. Vilmael gets his hands in position to cause PBUs and limit any big play opportunities. He is a guy who will be turning many heads this offseason and next season.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />

The Houston area is brimming with exceptional talent at the defensive back position. Highlighted below are a few standout players who are carving out their reputations with impressive performances on the field. Whether shining in limited opportunities or dominating as full-time contributors, these athletes have showcased their skills and potential. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they prepare for an exciting offseason and an impactful next season.