’28 Rankings Update | Stock Rising Defenisve Back Names to Know

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   The Class of 2028 rankings have received a winter update, including major changes and new additions. Our rankings list has grown to nearly 200 prospects and another 200+ in the watchlist to bring you the most comprehensive source for sophomore prospects. The next position group I'm looking at is the defensive backs, where we saw a huge influx of new names who stood out during the evaluation process.   Here are five defensive back prospects who are sure to make some noise this offseason!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    <a href="https://x.com/carsonmahoney_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@carsonmahoney_)</a>   Xavier's [player_tooltip player_id='1924714' first='Carson' last='Mahoney'] takes the title of DB1 in this latest update after a tremendous sophomore year that resulted in a 4A state championship. Mahoney ended the year with 44 tackles, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery. Mahoney's ball-hawking in coverage and willingness to be physical against the run were crucial for the Saints' defense. Carson does an excellent job of seeing the entire field from the safety position and quickly and effectively diagnoses the offense, getting to a spot where he can make a big play. Good job containing big plays over the top of the defense. He's consistent at playing through a receiver's hands to break up passes at the catch point. Against the run, Mahoney can fly to the ball with good angles and proper technique on his tackles to ensure the stop. Excellent "centerfield" type of safety who can cover massive chunks of field while having the "hit" power of a box safety.      <a href="https://x.com/JaydenStumpff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@JaydenStumpff)</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='1031692' first='Jayden' last='Stumpff'] continues to impress as he takes on a bigger role for the Prairie Hawks. Jayden ended his sophomore campaign with 35.5 tackles and an interception returned for a touchdown. My biggest takeaway from watching Jayden's sophomore tape was his elite playmaking ability, which is highlighted in the first two plays with a huge KO return for a touchdown and a pick-six. He is very instinctive in coverage and has confidence in his play recognition, breaking on the ball or jumping a route when he sees an opportunity to force a turnover or make a big play. Jayden also possesses the type of size and length that coaches will look for, standing at 6'3" and 185 pounds with excellent length and room to continue filling out his frame at the next level. Stumpff's physicality and competitiveness at the catch point ensure that there are no easy completions (or any) when throwing his way. High ceiling player who is only starting to scratch the surface.      Newton is set to have a solid run in 2026 with a great group of young players, including rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1953613' first='Josh' last='Lampe']. Lampe had a productive season at safety, where he recorded 36.5 tackles, five TFLs, three sacks, and a fumble recovery. Lampe really stood out with his versatility, showing he can line up at safety, in the slot, or even mug up the line of scrimmage to bring pressure as shown by his three sacks. Josh is a solid athlete who shows nice fluidity in coverage, with good footwork and loose hips to change direction quickly. One underrated aspect of Josh's game is his ability to win the edge when defending outside runs. He's able to quickly get to the line of scrimmage and disengage from blocks to continue pursuing the ball. Solid film with a ton of potential in these upcoming couple of seasons.      <a href="https://x.com/PauloAsani" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@PauloAsani)</a>   Des Moines Hoover's [player_tooltip player_id='1596631' first='Paulo' last='Asani'] built on a breakout freshman campaign with another solid season for the Huskies. Paulo ended his season with 42.5 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, and a sack while playing a hybrid LB/S role on defense. Paulo plays a lot of his snaps at LB, but with his size and athleticism, I could see coaches moving him into a safety role where he uses his range in coverage while providing an enforcer against the run at the third level. He plays with a red-hot motor, evident in his explosiveness when shooting gaps and when going to make a tackle on the ball carrier. Great pursuit— you'll see him several yards downfield tracking down a ball carrier after coming from the backside of the play. Solid prospect who will only continue to rise as he develops!      <a href="https://x.com/Kyan_Vaassen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Kyan_Vaassen)</a>   Western Dubuque's [player_tooltip player_id='1689158' first='Kyan' last='Vaassen'] is an interesting prospect with upside on offense and defense, but looks like he projects best as a DB. Vaassen was productive regardless of where he was lined up, ending his sophomore campaign with 34.5 tackles, two TFLs, 202 rushing yards, 61 receiving yards, three rushing touchdowns, and two receiving touchdowns. Overall, Kyan is a dynamic player who can provide a spark on offense, defense, or special teams, with a huge nose for the end zone. Defensively, Vaassen's vision is one of his biggest assets, as he sees the field very well and has the range to strike from anywhere. He does a great job reading the QB's eyes and tracking the ball in the air. On offense, Kyan's strong and sturdy frame makes him difficult to bring down on initial contact, allowing him to shake off tackles and pick up big chunk yardage. Looking forward to seeing how Kyan continues to grow in each role for next season.     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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