Lockdown: Class of 2027 Defensive Backs To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Texas boasts a wealth of rising junior defensive backs poised to make significant impacts on the field. These athletes have demonstrated exceptional skills, from fluid footwork and ball-hawking abilities to versatility across multiple positions in the secondary. Their performances have not only contributed to their teams' successes but have also garnered attention from collegiate programs. Here are some of the standout defensive backs from the Lone Star State's Class of 2027 to keep on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["735189"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e70b4478444"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bly is a versatile safety with great instincts and a natural feel for the game. He possesses excellent ball skills, superb field vision, and fluid hips, allowing him to cover ground effortlessly and make plays in the secondary. A sure tackler with a nose for the football, Bly consistently puts himself in the right position to create turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses. His ability to read plays and react quickly makes him a valuable asset in any defensive scheme. Get him on your radar. Bly has all the tools to be a high-impact player at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["408654"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e70b44784af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cruz is a fundamentally sound defensive back with the skill set to be a true lockdown defender. He has great feet, fluid hips, and strong ball skills, allowing him to stick with receivers in coverage. A feisty competitor, Cruz plays with good eye discipline and a high football IQ, making him a disruptive presence in the secondary. He holds an offer from UTEP and was recently on campus at UTSA. With his technical ability and competitive nature, schools should take notice. Cruz has the tools to be a difference-maker at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["595110"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e70b44784f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"> Washington Jr. possesses great feet, fluid hips, and violent hands at the point of attack, allowing him to excel in both coverage and run support. His ball skills and versatility make him a valuable asset in the secondary, as he can effectively play nickel, safety, or cornerback. With his speed and lockdown ability, Washington has drawn increased attention from college programs. He recently took a visit to Houston and will be on campus at Oklahoma this weekend as his recruitment continues to heat up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1562616"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e70b4478532"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Houston has been one of the hottest recruits in the 2027 class this offseason, emerging as a lockdown defender with a growing list of offers. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound defensive back plays both cornerback and nickel, showcasing his versatility and ability to excel in multiple roles. He is a sure tackler who thrives in press coverage, using his fluid hips and clean footwork to stay attached to receivers. Houston played a key role in North Crowley's 2024 state championship run, proving himself as a high-impact player on the biggest stage. His strong performances have led to offers from SMU, West Virginia, Kansas State, Houston, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss. With his blend of physicality, technique, and football IQ, Houston is seeing his stock rise this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378978"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e719d3326c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bartee is a sticky defender with the skill set to lock down receivers at a high level. He has clean footwork, fluid hips, and strong eye discipline, allowing him to stay in phase and make plays on the ball. A physical player, Bartee is strong at the point of attack and a solid tackler, making him a reliable presence in the secondary. He played a key role in Fort Worth All Saints' state championship run as a sophomore, proving himself on the big stage. His recruitment is starting to pick up, as he recently received an offer from Sacramento State and earned a camp invite to Sam Houston State. Get eyes on him. Bartee has the tools to be a standout at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->