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The Next Wave: 2028 Ballhawks That You Need To Know

The Next Wave: 2028 Ballhawks That You Need To Know
Robert Davis
Robert Davis July 30, 2025 @ 01:43 PM
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In this article:

Landen Hershfeldt
Landen Hershfeldt 6'0" | 190 lbs | WR/DB | 2028
CO
Mason Hunt
Mason Hunt 5'9" | 140 lbs | DB/RB | 2028
CO
Quintyn Vargas Smith
Quintyn Vargas Smith DB/WR | 2028
CO
Evans Mensah Jr
Evans Mensah Jr 5'11" | 155 lbs | DB/ATH | 2028
CO
Jordan Mobley-Phillips
Jordan Mobley-Phillips 5'10" | 135 lbs | DB/WR | 2028
CO
Jason Dix
Jason Dix 5'8" | 160 lbs | DB | 2028
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be taking a look at some up and coming DB's that are looking to make some noise this season and turn heads in the process. These are the players that will be on the breakout watch if they are able to carve out larger roles. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1592074"],"_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-688a67e576fa1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With a strong track background and elite quickness, Dix is an intriguing prospect ready to break onto the varsity scene. He transitions smoothly in and out of breaks and shows the ability to close fast on the football. His versatility allows him to line up in the slot or outside, and he brings lockdown upside at both spots. He competes hard at the point of attack and demonstrates good awareness when tracking the ball in the air. With a high ceiling and continued development, Dix is a player to watch closely as he challenges for more reps this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1592137"],"_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-688a67e577007"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Standing at 6 feet tall, [player_tooltip player_id='1592137' first='Jordan' last='Mobley-Phillips'] brings length and physicality to the defensive backfield. He uses his frame effectively to jam receivers at the line and disrupts the timing in the passing game. His fluid hips and ability to mirror routes make him a tough matchup for opposing wideouts. Mobley-Phillips excels in tight coverage, staying in receivers' hip pockets and showing the anticipation to break on the ball. As part of a young, developing team, he can be a tone setter for this team that needs someone to step up quickly. Expect him to take a leadership role and turn heads this season if he is able to put it all together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1684134"],"_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-688a67e577050"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hunt showed flashes last season with meaningful varsity reps, and he's gearing up to make an even bigger impact. Hunt has a knack for being around the football and can fly around to the football, shutting down receivers or stepping up in run support. While not the tallest DB, his physicality and willingness to chop down ball carriers stand out. He brings energy, toughness, and instincts that you can't teach. Hunt isn't afraid to get in the mix and lay a hit and his all around game makes him under the radar prospect to watch in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1684128"],"_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-688a67e5770c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Vargas-Smith is a dangerous two-way player whose athleticism jumps off the screen. He's quick out of his breaks, aggressive when trying to break up the catch and plays through the hands with confidence. Vargas-Smith possesses the ball skills to flip momentum on any given snap as he can break up a pass or climbing the ladder to snag an interception. His combination of speed, physicality, and feel for the position makes him a candidate to thrive with more reps this season. As he settles into a larger role, expect him to emerge as a true playmaker in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1727359"],"_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-688a67e577131"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hershfeldt is a defensive back steadily building momentum heading into the season. He made the most of his opportunities last year, including an interception and contributions in run support. Hershfeldt is technically sound, showing quick feet and clean transitions in and out of his breaks. His football IQ and reaction speed allow him to close gaps quickly and make plays on the ball. With his ability to help in both coverage and tackling, he offers positional flexibility and toughness that coaches love. As his confidence grows, don't be surprised to see him take the next step and be a name to know moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1648961"],"_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-688a67e57717b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mensah has been putting in the work this offseason, and it's about to pay off. Playing across from one of the state's top 2027 corners, Mensah will see his fair share of action, something he's fully prepared for. He has a fluid backpedal, clean footwork, and the timing to break on the ball with confidence. He's not afraid to play aggressive and has the mindset to be a lockdown defender. His upside is evident, and this could be the year where everything clicks. Mensah is a breakout candidate to circle as one of the 2028 class's rising DBs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Today we will be taking a look at some up and coming DB's that are looking to make some noise this season and turn heads in the process. These are the players that will be on the breakout watch if they are able to carve out larger roles. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.

Jason Dix

Jason Dix

CO
DB
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 160
POS DB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Jason
Dix DB
Class
2028
Height
5'8"
Weight
160
HS
Grandview
|
CO
The Next Wave: 2028 Ballhawks That You Need To Know
With a strong track background and elite quickness, Dix is an intriguing prospect ready to break onto the...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jason Dix

Instagram
State: Colorado
School: Grandview
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jordan Mobley-Phillips

Jordan Mobley-Phillips

CO
DB/WR
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 135
POS DB/WR
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Jordan
Mobley-Phillips DB/WR
Class
2028
Height
5'10"
Weight
135
HS
Smoky Hill
|
CO
The Next Wave: 2028 Ballhawks That You Need To Know
Standing at 6 feet tall, Jordan Mobley-Phillips brings length and physicality to the defensive backfield. He uses his...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jordan Mobley-Phillips

Instagram
State: Colorado
School: Smoky Hill
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Mason Hunt

Mason Hunt

CO
DB/RB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 140
POS DB/RB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Mason
Hunt DB/RB
Class
2028
Height
5'9"
Weight
140
HS
Platte Valley
|
CO
The Next Wave: 2028 Ballhawks That You Need To Know
Hunt showed flashes last season with meaningful varsity reps, and he’s gearing up to make an even bigger...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Mason Hunt

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Platte Valley
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Quintyn Vargas Smith

Quintyn Vargas Smith

CO
DB/WR
POS DB/WR
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Quintyn
Vargas Smith DB/WR
Class
2028
HS
Thomas Jefferson
|
CO
The Next Wave: 2028 Ballhawks That You Need To Know
Vargas-Smith is a dangerous two-way player whose athleticism jumps off the screen. He’s quick out of his breaks,...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Quintyn Vargas Smith

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Thomas Jefferson
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Landen Hershfeldt

Landen Hershfeldt

CO
WR/DB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 190
POS WR/DB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Landen
Hershfeldt WR/DB
Class
2028
Height
6'0"
Weight
190
HS
Sterling
|
CO
The Next Wave: 2028 Ballhawks That You Need To Know
Hershfeldt is a defensive back steadily building momentum heading into the season. He made the most of his...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Landen Hershfeldt

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Sterling
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Evans Mensah Jr

Evans Mensah Jr

CO
DB/ATH
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 155
POS DB/ATH
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Evans
Mensah Jr DB/ATH
Class
2028
Height
5'11"
Weight
155
HS
Cherokee Trail
|
CO
The Next Wave: 2028 Ballhawks That You Need To Know
Mensah has been putting in the work this offseason, and it’s about to pay off. Playing across from...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Evans Mensah Jr

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Cherokee Trail
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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