Lockdown on the Back End: Alabama’s Top 2028 Defensive Backs

Alabama continues to be a hotbed for defensive back talent, and the 2028 class is already showing signs of being special. From rangy cornerbacks to physical safeties who thrive in the box, this group brings versatility, instincts, and competitive edge to the secondary. These young defenders are flashing ball skills, football IQ, and the confidence needed to match up against elite offensive talent. As they continue to develop physically and technically, their ceilings are extremely high. Here's a look at some of the top defensive backs in Alabama's 2028 class that college coaches should already be tracking closely.    Tyrese Bailey is a smooth, athletic defensive back who shows natural coverage ability at an early stage. He plays with patience in man coverage and doesn't panic when the ball is in the air. Bailey has good hip flexibility, allowing him to transition cleanly in and out of breaks. He shows a strong understanding of route concepts and anticipates throws well. His ball skills stand out, especially when attacking passes at the catch point. As he continues to add strength, Bailey has the tools to become a true lockdown defender.     [player_tooltip player_id='1655023' first='Cooper' last='Wales'] brings a physical presence to the secondary with a competitive edge that shows on film. He's aggressive in run support and doesn't shy away from contact. Wales does a solid job keeping plays in front of him and forcing receivers to earn every yard. His tackling technique is sound, especially in space. He shows flashes of playmaking ability when reading the quarterback's eyes. With continued refinement in coverage technique, Wales has the potential to be a reliable every-down defensive back.     Braylon “Bray” Williams is an explosive athlete who thrives on making plays around the football. He shows quick reaction time and closes on receivers with urgency. Williams is comfortable playing both off and press coverage, showing versatility in the secondary. His speed allows him to recover when routes extend downfield. He plays with confidence and isn't afraid to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage. As his game matures, Williams projects as a high-impact defensive back with big-play potential.     [player_tooltip player_id='1654957' first='Zavier' last='Burrow'] is a physical strong safety who brings toughness and leadership to the back end. He excels near the line of scrimmage and is effective against the run. Burrow takes smart angles and finishes tackles with authority. He shows good awareness in zone coverage and understands his responsibilities. His ability to read plays quickly allows him to get downhill in a hurry. With continued development in pass coverage, Burrow could become a complete, do-it-all safety.     Antoine Poole stands out as a disciplined defensive back who understands leverage and positioning. He plays under control and rarely takes unnecessary risks. Poole does a good job reading route combinations and communicating in the secondary. His length helps him disrupt passing lanes and contest throws. He's a reliable tackler who finishes plays when given the opportunity. With more experience and confidence, Poole has the tools to develop into a consistent playmaker.     Brycen Harris is an athletic defensive back with good range and recovery speed. He shows flashes of high-level coverage ability, especially when tracking the ball in the air. Harris is comfortable flipping his hips and staying in phase downfield. He competes with effort on every snap and doesn't take plays off. His speed allows him to erase mistakes and make plays from behind. As he sharpens his technique, Harris could emerge as one of the top cover guys in the class.     Carson “CJ” Jenkins is a versatile defensive back who can line up in multiple spots in the secondary. He shows strong football IQ and processes plays quickly. Jenkins is effective in zone coverage, reading the quarterback and breaking on routes. He plays with physicality and isn't afraid to tackle in space. His consistency stands out, as he regularly puts himself in position to make plays. With continued growth and strength development, Jenkins projects as a dependable and impactful defensive back.

Alabama continues to be a hotbed for defensive back talent, and the 2028 class is already showing signs of being special. From rangy cornerbacks to physical safeties who thrive in the box, this group brings versatility, instincts, and competitive edge to the secondary. These young defenders are flashing ball skills, football IQ, and the confidence needed to match up against elite offensive talent. As they continue to develop physically and technically, their ceilings are extremely high. Here's a look at some of the top defensive backs in Alabama's 2028 class that college coaches should already be tracking closely.