Defensive Backs To Know For Next Season

[player_tooltip player_id='1704632' first='Travis' last='Miles'] is one of the more intriguing defensive backs heading into next season. At 6'4”, 185 pounds, he brings a long, rangy frame with plenty of room to add weight. Because of that build alone, his upside is hard to ignore.   First and foremost, the athleticism stands out. Miles is a smooth mover with straight-line speed, fluid change of direction, and natural ball skills. While he's still developing polish at both wide receiver and defensive back, he consistently puts himself in a position to make plays at the catch point. Moving forward, winning more consistently at the apex will be an important next step.   As a defensive back, however, the foundation is there. He holds up well in one-on-one coverage, can run downfield with receivers, and locates the football effectively. Moreover, his ability to find and play the ball remains one of his strongest traits.   Additionally, his commitment to Syracuse speaks to his long-term potential. Under Coach Fran Brown, defensive backs are asked to be versatile, and that aligns well with Miles' profile. Whether his future is at corner, safety, or even wide receiver remains to be seen.   Ultimately, refinement is the key. Improving his footwork, transitions, and route recognition will significantly elevate his game. Currently ranked No. 157 in New Jersey, Miles has the tools to climb fast. By season's end, don't be surprised if he's pushing toward the top 50.      [player_tooltip player_id='1160399' first='Omari' last='Billings'] hasn't taken a varsity snap yet. Still, what he's shown on the freshman circuit is impossible to ignore. At 6'2”, 175 pounds, he already looks like a prototype defensive back.   First and foremost, his instincts stand out. Billings plays free safety and reads the field well from depth. He finds the football in the air, stays patient, and rarely looks lost on the back end. In addition, he does a strong job passing routes off and picking up crossers as they enter his zone.   Moreover, the physical tools are there. He has good length, solid ball skills, and the frame to continue adding strength. While he's still a raw prospect, the versatility is obvious. He has the ability to play deep safety, box safety, outside corner, or in the slot. Just as important, he's willing to come downhill and hit.   Because of that, the ceiling is high. If Billings makes the jump to varsity, the focus will be on how he handles game speed and physicality. Likewise, camp season will be important in showing where he fits best long-term.   Ultimately, Billings is one of the more intriguing young defensive backs in the program. His development this year will be worth watching closely.      [player_tooltip player_id='1545703' first='Makai' last='Blackstone'] is a defensive back who consistently plays bigger than his listed size. At 6'0”, 170 pounds, he brings a physical presence that immediately shows up on tape.   First and foremost, Blackstone profiles best as a box safety. He's an explosive downhill athlete with strong straight-line speed and the ability to out-athlete most defenders he faces. While his change of direction is still developing, his burst, range, and closing speed allow him to make plays near the line of scrimmage.   In addition, he plays the ball well. His hustle and effort are constant, and he finishes plays with urgency. Those traits, combined with his athleticism, give him real value on early downs and in physical matchups.   Moreover, his versatility adds intrigue. Blackstone can rotate between box safety and deeper alignments, and he shows enough range to handle one-high responsibilities when needed. That flexibility raises his ceiling moving forward.   Although he doesn't currently hold a Division I offer, this season feels pivotal. With his athletic profile and physical style, Blackstone has the tools to earn one. As a result, he's a defensive back worth watching closely as the year unfolds.      [player_tooltip player_id='909369' first='Colton' last='Romanoff'] made the most of his opportunities this season. Although his snaps were limited, his impact showed up in the biggest moments for St. Joe's.   At 6'0”, 170 pounds, Romanoff brings versatility to the secondary. Primarily, he shows strong ability in the slot. He has good hips, solid change of direction, and enough length to challenge receivers at the catch point. As a result, he holds up well in space against quick, shifty targets.   In addition, Romanoff adds value as a blitzer. He times pressures well from the slot and finishes at the quarterback. Moreover, he's willing in the run game, coming downhill to fill gaps and make tackles when needed.   Looking ahead, there's still more to unlock. Romanoff has the skill set to play multiple roles — slot, outside corner, box safety, and potentially even deep safety. However, playing in a loaded St. Joe's defensive back room means snaps won't always come easily, especially with established players ahead of him.   Still, that opportunity is coming. As his role expands, Romanoff's versatility will stand out. Once coaches fully evaluate what he can do, he'll be viewed as a high-upside defensive back — one who excels in the slot but brings enough range and toughness to stay on the field on all three downs.      Finally, [player_tooltip player_id='1554547' first='Ernest' last='Carter'] is one of the more intriguing defensive backs heading into the offseason. At 6'1”, 180 pounds, he's a big, explosive athlete with clear upside.   To start, his athleticism immediately jumps off the screen. Carter is a standout basketball player, and that defensive mindset translates well to football. He moves smoothly, shows good hip flexibility, and plays with a different level of burst compared to most DBs.   In coverage, he projects well as either an outside corner or a deep safety. He has solid ball skills, closes quickly, and shows the ability to win one-on-one matchups. While his defensive back tape is still limited, the traits are undeniable.   Because of that, Carter fits the “diamond in the rough” label perfectly. As he gains more reps and refinement at defensive back, this upcoming season will be critical. If he puts it together, he has a real chance to turn heads, elevate his profile, and earn Division I attention quickly.   <a href="https://twitter.com/BraydonAlli/status/1987664124713562581">https://twitter.com/BraydonAlli/status/1987664124713562581</a>