Defensive Diamonds: Central Texas Sophomores

<p>Rounding out our Central Texas class of 2028 preview, let's run down some of the top defensive sophomores in place for a breakout this season. From the trenches to the top of the secondary, there's plenty of talent in this pigskin-bred region. While everyone has seen the preseason all-district lists featuring upperclassmen defenders, here are five sophomores with a big stage ahead of them beginning next week. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">A long and explosive hybrid of a defensive end, Smith displays dominance rushing the passer, along with the ability to play in space. He possesses a dynamic combo of twitchiness and power. Smith excels at being violent at the point of attack and redirecting to make plays behind or past the line of scrimmage. For now, Reagan projects to be a defensive end at the next level, but his range and change of direction in space present the opportunity to flex to an outside linebacker as well. After contributing 35 total tackles, 5 TFLs, and a sack as a freshman, Smith should be a major piece of the Wolves' defense this season. Reagan has received offers from Houston, UTSA, and Texas State.</p>      <p>Johnson is a pure five-tech defensive end with a great amount of athleticism, which he occasionally flashes lined up at running back. He thrives at firing out of his hips from a three-point stance and utilizing good bend and balance to set the edge. DeMitiri demonstrates a great get off and has the length and motor necessary to finish plays in the backfield. With early signs of college-level agility and power, Johnson will continue to fill out his frame and develop. After flipping across town to the Lions' side, Johnson will look to break out during his sophomore campaign while adding to an early offer list of Houston, Texas Tech, and Texas State. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/realmeechx19/status/1836147246007550103 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Flashing great potential on both sides of the ball, Hamilton is an intriguing safety and nickel with a long frame and stellar speed. Dakari excels at playing the deep part of the field, as well as sideline to sideline in space. He owns solid instincts and ball skills for a rising sophomore. Hamilton plays with a great base and lateral movement. Dakari is also not afraid to get downhill and lower his shoulder into ball carriers with authority. Expect "DK" to burst onto the scene and help lead the Knights' defense this season. I predict his recruitment to ramp up through the back end of 2025.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Dakari_ham_28/status/1932285724746772933 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">While playing mostly wideout and a bit of quarterback last season, Fields has been working out as a DB at camps and practices all offseason. There's no questioning the athleticism and all-around (4.5 40) speed of the versatile athlete, and it's sure to be said that Carson will continue to fill out his frame. He plays the game physically with great technique and footwork, no matter where he's lined up. His potential as a man-up corner is newly intriguing, as he possesses fluid hips and great back-pedal consistency. It will be interesting to see how Fields is used on both sides of the ball this season, but there's no doubt regarding the impact he will have for the Hippos. As his projectability becomes clearer, Carson's recruitment process is set to heat up.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Another two-way young prodigy, Herring plays both sides of the ball with great acceleration and collected smooth strides to finish. On defense, Damari manned the safety position with great poise and instincts as a freshman. He demonstrates a great feel for the field sideline-to-sideline and thrives at crashing downhill over the middle of the field. He also displays loose hips and solid change of direction, helping him both compress the offense and make plays in the deep part of the field. Herring strikes me as a versatile and consistent talent who may play both sides through the end of his career, but ultimately projects as a free safety/nickelback. One thing is for sure, and that is Damari will be dynamic for the Jags this season and start to receive some serious attention from college programs.</p>

Rounding out our Central Texas class of 2028 preview, let's run down some of the top defensive sophomores in place for a breakout this season. From the trenches to the top of the secondary, there's plenty of talent in this pigskin-bred region. While everyone has seen the preseason all-district lists featuring upperclassmen defenders, here are five sophomores with a big stage ahead of them beginning next week.