2027 Under the Radar: Defensive Backs

Defensive backs are often the difference-makers in today's game, where athletic, pass-heavy offenses test secondaries on every snap. The Class of 2027 in Oregon features a group of corners and safeties starting to emerge, some already earning varsity reps, others waiting for their shot to shine. In this edition of our “Under the Radar” series, we highlight DBs who may not be widely known yet, but have the instincts, athleticism, and playmaking potential to take significant steps forward as juniors. Whether locking down receivers on the outside or roaming the secondary as a last line of defense, these young defenders are names to remember heading into 2024.    Frederickson is a smart, well-rounded safety who shows strong instincts and an excellent feel for positioning in the secondary. He plays with good range and closes quickly on the ball, whether in coverage or coming downhill to make a tackle. His tackling form is reliable, and he brings physicality in run support without sacrificing control. Frederickson's balanced game and football IQ give him a strong foundation to build on heading into his junior year.     Buell Jr. is an athletic, high-upside safety with great speed and a long frame that projects well as he develops. He flashes excellent movement in space and shows promise as a ball-hawking presence in the deep secondary. While some of his technique is still developing, his physical traits and raw ability are hard to ignore. With continued growth, Buell could emerge as one of the more dynamic defenders in his class.     Myles is a fluid, athletic cornerback with a well-built frame and solid all-around coverage skills. He's especially effective in zone coverage, reading the quarterback well, and showing the awareness to jump passing lanes. His length and ball skills give him a real edge on contested throws, and he has the physicality to match up with bigger receivers. As he continues to polish his man coverage technique, Myles could become a shutdown presence on the perimeter. It is worth noting that Myles is also developing nicely on the other side of the ball at receiver.     Olson is a long, athletic cornerback whose size immediately stands out on the field. He moves well for his frame and shows smooth hips in coverage, allowing him to play press or off-man. While his technique is still developing, his ball skills and physical tools give him significant upside in the secondary. With continued growth and refinement, Olson has the potential to be a matchup nightmare for opposing receivers.     Newport is a quick, instinctive safety who consistently puts himself in the proper position to make plays. He reads the field well in zone coverage and shows good reaction time when the ball is in the air. While he's still growing physically, he competes hard in run support and shows reliable tackling technique. Newport plays with a high motor and has the awareness and hustle to contribute consistently to the back end.

Defensive backs are often the difference-makers in today's game, where athletic, pass-heavy offenses test secondaries on every snap. The Class of 2027 in Oregon features a group of corners and safeties starting to emerge, some already earning varsity reps, others waiting for their shot to shine. In this edition of our “Under the Radar” series, we highlight DBs who may not be widely known yet, but have the instincts, athleticism, and playmaking potential to take significant steps forward as juniors. Whether locking down receivers on the outside or roaming the secondary as a last line of defense, these young defenders are names to remember heading into 2024.