Eye Catching Houston Area Sophomore Defensive Backs

<p>Houston has never been short on football talent, and the defensive back position remains one of the region's strongest pipelines. Each season, the city produces long, athletic, technically sound defenders capable of thriving on an island or making plays in space. The 2025 season was no different, as several sophomore defensive backs stepped into the spotlight and proved they belong on the radar heading into the offseason.</p>   <p>Below is a closer look at a group of Houston-area sophomores who stood tall last fall and are firmly in the ones-to-watch category.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Speed is the first thing that stands out with [player_tooltip player_id='1577386' first='Denim' last='Steed'], but his fundamentals are what truly elevate his game. He shows a clean backpedal, smooth hips, and disciplined eyes, allowing him to stay square and not give up easy ground in coverage. Steed is stout at the point of attack and plays the ball well at the catch point.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">A true two-way playmaker, Steed also brings value on offense with his quickness at wide receiver. On special teams, he is an elite returner, capable of flipping field position or taking it the distance. His impact earned him First Team All-District 12-4A DI and First Team All-District Kick Returner honors, along with offers from Houston, UTSA, 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/DenimSteed/status/1995188310969659616?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1577350' first='Kalen' last='Simmons'] brings size, length, and range to the secondary. At 6-foot-2, 184 pounds, he covers ground effortlessly and has a natural feel for the game. Simmons plays under control, sees the field well, and finishes as a sure tackler.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">He totaled 66 tackles on the season, consistently showing up around the football. His instincts and patience allow him to read concepts and react quickly, making him a reliable second-level defender. Simmons' development has already been rewarded with recent offers from Houston and Illinois, and his ceiling continues to rise.</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/Kalen_Simmons2/status/2000348123735249285?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Sherman checks a lot of boxes physically and technically. He has excellent length, clean mechanics, and fluid hips that allow him to transition smoothly in coverage. His footwork is sharp, and his awareness shows up consistently on tape.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Sherman plays with strong instincts and has a natural nose for the football. A true ballhawk, he tracks the ball well and capitalizes on opportunities when quarterbacks test him. His combination of tools and feel for the game makes him a name to monitor closely.</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/CordeySherman_/status/1877844763874861280?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">White is a sticky cover defender who thrives on technique and discipline. His footwork is clean, he gets his hands on receivers early, and he stays in phase down the field. White plays with confidence and patience, rarely panicking when the ball is in the air.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">His production reflects his reliability, finishing the season with 42 tackles, nine pass breakups, and one interception. White's ability to consistently contest catches and stay connected in man coverage makes him a dependable presence in the secondary.</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/ayoodesmond12/status/1990611692829446532?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Stinson is a name that should already be on the radar and if it isn't, now is the time to take notice. The versatile defensive back brings the ability to play both cornerback and safety, giving his defense flexibility and reliability on the back end.</p>   <p>Stinson stands out with high-level instincts and polished technique. His footwork is superb, allowing him to stay connected in coverage and operate as a sticky defender. He plays under control, shows patience in space, and finishes as a sure tackler. At the point of attack, Stinson isn't shy, he's physical, takes on blocks well, and holds his ground.</p>   <p>Whether aligned on the edge or working in the middle of the field, Stinson consistently shows a mature approach to the game. His combination of versatility, toughness, and football IQ makes him a defensive back worth tracking closely.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Get him on your radar now.</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/terrell_stinson/status/1995502515073225145?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Dural is a fierce competitor at cornerback with advanced technique for his age. He plays with confident footwork, good eye discipline, and natural instincts in coverage. Dural doesn't shy away from contact and shows the toughness you want on the edge.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">What separates him is his two-way impact. Offensively, Dural's quickness and speed make him dangerous in space, lining up at both receiver and running back. He finished the season with 30 touches for 468 yards and three touchdowns, showing his versatility and explosiveness. Defensively, he added 15 tackles and five pass breakups, consistently disrupting passing lanes.</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/AntonioDural4/status/1991356512946528764?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Owens is an eye-catching young safety with a long, athletic frame and real range on the back end. He closes quickly in run support, takes proper angles to the football, and shows disciplined eyes in coverage. Plays with confidence, doesn't give ground, and consistently finds the ball.</p>   <p>Good speed, strong instincts, and the physical upside colleges covet at the position.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Recent Offers: Houston, Missouri, Nebraska</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/JarviousOwens/status/2013700119334391809?s=20 </div></figure>

Houston has never been short on football talent, and the defensive back position remains one of the region's strongest pipelines. Each season, the city produces long, athletic, technically sound defenders capable of thriving on an island or making plays in space. The 2025 season was no different, as several sophomore defensive backs stepped into the spotlight and proved they belong on the radar heading into the offseason.