Rising Sophomore Defensive Backs Elevating Their Games

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We spotlight several defensive backs with next-level talent who delivered standout sophomore seasons and now head into the offseason with momentum, confidence, and high expectations for continued growth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["485516"],"_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-6954b09d94250"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hall is one of the most polished young corners in the state. He is fundamentally sound with clean, disciplined footwork and fluid hips that allow him to mirror receivers with ease. A sticky defender in coverage, Hall consistently stays in phase and plays with excellent body control. He is a sure tackler who plays under control and understands leverage and positioning. His elite cover skills showed throughout the season and earned him Newcomer of the Year honors in District 3-5A Division I, a reflection of both his production and impact within a strong Aledo program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1825927"],"_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-6954b09d942cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lacy brings versatility and physicality to the North Crowley defense as a true hybrid defender. He plays the run and pass at a high level and has the ability to rush the passer off the edge when asked. Lacy can line up as an in-the-box safety, outside linebacker, or edge defender, giving his coaches flexibility in how they deploy him. He plays under control, shows strong football instincts, and consistently puts himself in position to make plays. His ability to impact multiple phases of the defense makes him a valuable chess piece moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1544860"],"_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-6954b09d9432f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bimage is a long, physical corner who thrives in press-man coverage. He uses his length well at the line of scrimmage and stays connected to receivers throughout the route. A sticky defender with fluid hips and clean footwork, Bimage shows the ability to turn and run while maintaining balance and control. He is also a sure tackler who does not shy away from contact. His combination of size, technique, and competitiveness gives him the tools to develop into a true lockdown corner at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1575580"],"_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-6954b09d94386"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Foster is one of the premier defensive backs in the 2028 class, regardless of position. Standing 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, he possesses elite coverage skills and the range to cover large portions of the field from the free safety position. He shows excellent instincts on the backend and has the ability to come downhill and contribute in run support. Foster's physical tools, football IQ, and playmaking ability separate him from his peers and give him a ceiling that few sophomores can match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1577386"],"_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-6954b09d943dd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Steed made a strong statement during the 2025 season with his play on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he shows excellent coverage ability with superb ball skills and a natural feel for attacking the football at the catch point. He is a sticky defender and a reliable tackler in space. Steed is also a major threat on special teams as a return man, using his speed and elusiveness to flip field position. His versatility extends to offense, where he makes plays at receiver, further highlighting his athleticism and overall value.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1647387"],"_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-6954b09d9442f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Burrell is a 6-foot corner who consistently plays with high effort and strong technique. He transitions smoothly into his backpedal and does a great job playing through the hands of receivers at the catch point. Burrell is comfortable defending in space and shows a willingness to come up and support the run, taking proper angles to the ball. His hustle and no-quit mentality stand out on film, as he plays through the whistle and remains locked in during man coverage. His competitiveness and attention to detail set the foundation for continued development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1085734"],"_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-6954b09d94480"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sherman is an active, high-energy defender who brings range and speed to the backend of the Dekaney defense. Lining up primarily at free safety, he covers ground well and shows the ability to read plays as they develop. Sherman is a sure tackler who can come down into the box, blitz effectively, and make plays in run support. His willingness to be physical combined with his athleticism makes him a reliable presence in multiple defensive roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->