Eyes on the Secondary: Top DB Talent in San Antonio

As we look ahead to the 2027 class, several defensive backs are emerging as players to watch who could make an immediate impact at the next level. These DBs are showing a combination of speed, instincts, and physicality that set them apart on film and in live competition. What makes them stand out is not just their athletic ability, but their understanding of leverage, route recognition, and ball skills—traits that allow them to consistently stay in phase, contest passes, and make plays in the open field. Whether breaking on the ball in coverage, disrupting timing, or coming downhill to finish in run support, this group represents the rising playmakers who could define the secondary landscape over the next few seasons.    Mikhail's film shows a fullback who brings a physical, downhill-running style to the offense. He consistently demonstrates strong pad level, driving through contact to gain extra yards after initial impact. His tape highlights excellent vision in finding running lanes, picking the correct gaps, and adjusting in real time to defensive shifts. Mikhail also excels as a lead blocker, showing the ability to engage linebackers and defensive linemen with leverage and control while creating running lanes for his teammates. In the passing game, he's reliable as a short-yardage option, showing hands ready for the catch and awareness to pick up blitzes in protection. Overall, his film reflects a tough, versatile fullback who can contribute both as a ball carrier and a key blocker in any offensive scheme.     Liam shows a calm, confident presence on the back end and consistently looks comfortable in space. He does a great job staying square in coverage, keeping his eyes disciplined while smoothly transitioning when the route declares. His footwork stands out when matching receivers laterally, allowing him to stay in phase without grabbing or panicking. Liam attacks the football with good timing and shows a natural feel for arriving at the catch point, not just reacting late. He also brings a physical edge when finishing plays, showing no hesitation to come downhill and wrap up in the open field. Overall, he plays with control, awareness, and competitive toughness, making him a reliable presence in coverage situations.     Justin brings an aggressive, high-energy style to the secondary and plays with a noticeable edge. He's quick to recognize route stems and doesn't waste steps when driving on the ball, showing confidence in his instincts. His closing burst stands out, especially when breaking forward out of coverage to challenge throws underneath. Justin isn't afraid to mix it up physically, using strong hands to disrupt timing and finishing tackles with authority. He competes on every rep and shows a short memory, bouncing back immediately after a play and staying locked in. His combination of urgency, competitiveness, and play strength makes him a disruptive presence on the back end.      Noah plays with patience and control, rarely looking rushed or out of position. He stays balanced in coverage and does a good job reading the receiver's body language, allowing him to anticipate breaks rather than chase routes. His ability to keep leverage shows up consistently, especially when working the sideline and squeezing throwing windows. Noah tracks the ball well in the air and times his hands effectively at the point of contact. He's also dependable in run support, taking smart angles and securing tackles in space. His steady approach and awareness make him a dependable option in coverage-heavy situations.      Jacob consistently shows up on film as a disciplined and assignment-sound defender who understands how to play within the structure of the defense. He's quick to get proper depth at the snap and keeps routes in front of him, limiting explosive plays. On passing downs, he reads the quarterback well, showing the ability to break on throws once the ball is committed rather than guessing early. His film also highlights how well he takes angles in pursuit, rarely overrunning plays and doing a good job cutting off space. When the ball is in the air, Jacob competes through the catch point and works to finish plays instead of settling for pass breakups. Overall, his tape reflects a reliable, detail-oriented player who consistently puts himself in the right position and makes sound football plays.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jmazz11/status/2000383217095045136?s=20 </div></figure>    Jayden's film shows a defender who plays fast without losing control. He consistently lines up with purpose and wastes very little movement at the snap, allowing him to stay in phase early in the rep. On routes, he does a good job reading stems and using his hips to mirror rather than opening up too soon. His tape highlights how quickly he closes once the ball is thrown, attacking receivers at the catch point and limiting yards after contact. In run support, Jayden triggers downhill with confidence and shows the ability to secure tackles in space. Overall, his film reflects a competitive, reactive player who impacts the game both in coverage and when the ball is moving forward.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JaydenGhee/status/1995635168498036827?s=20 </div></figure>    Eli shows up on film as a technically sound defender who relies on positioning and awareness to win reps. He consistently keeps his cushion under control and does a good job staying square, which allows him to react smoothly when routes break. His tape highlights strong eye discipline, as he balances reading the quarterback while staying connected to the receiver. When the ball is thrown, Eli closes with purpose and uses timing to disrupt the catch rather than just arriving late. He's also dependable against the run, showing smart angles and secure tackling in space. Overall, his film reflects a player who understands leverage, plays with patience, and consistently executes his role within the defense.      Michael's film reflects a defender who plays with confidence and physical intent. He does a good job challenging receivers early in the route, using his hands to disrupt timing while still staying balanced. His tape shows strong recovery ability, as he can get back in phase when a receiver gains a step. Michael attacks the football aggressively, showing a willingness to play through the hands and finish at the catch point. In the run game, he triggers quickly and doesn't shy away from contact, consistently working to get the ball carrier on the ground. Overall, his film highlights a competitive presence who plays fast, physical, and with a clear edge on every rep.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/treyj_iii/status/1990963349157302711?s=20 </div></figure>    Aiden shows up on film as a smooth, reactive defender who trusts his technique. He stays patient at the line, allowing routes to develop before opening his hips, which helps him stay connected through vertical and intermediate patterns. His tape highlights how well he uses angles to guide receivers toward help, shrinking throwing windows rather than chasing plays. When the ball is in the air, Aiden tracks it cleanly and times his arrival to contest the catch. He's also effective coming downhill, showing control and consistency as a tackler in space. Overall, his film reflects a composed player who plays with balance, awareness, and reliable coverage habits.      Brewster's film shows a sideline-to-sideline presence who reads the offense quickly and attacks plays decisively. He diagnoses runs fast, firing downhill with purpose and taking smart angles to cut off ball carriers in the open field. In pass coverage, he shows awareness of routes over the middle and does a solid job matching tight ends and backs in space, keeping throws in front of him while staying ready to step up in the run game. His tape highlights physicality at the point of contact, shedding blocks with leverage and wrapping up securely. Overall, Brewster's film reflects a versatile, high-energy linebacker who consistently makes an impact whether defending the run or cove      Kane's film shows a defensive back who consistently impacts the game with smart, controlled play. He reads routes and quarterback eyes quickly, often putting himself in position to break on the football before the receiver can fully settle. His tape highlights fluid hips and smooth transitions, allowing him to mirror receivers through multiple cuts while staying in phase. Kane also competes aggressively at the catch point, timing jumps or breaks to make plays on the ball. In run support, he takes proper angles and finishes tackles with physicality, showing he's comfortable coming downhill when needed. Overall, his film reflects a confident, disciplined defender who makes consistent, high-quality plays in coverage and in space.      Kenneth's film shows a defensive back who combines quickness with sharp instincts. He lines up cleanly, reads the receiver's route stems, and reacts immediately without overcommitting. On tape, Kenneth demonstrates smooth footwork and fluid hip movement, allowing him to stay tight on receivers through breaks and transitions. He competes at the catch point, using timing and physicality to disrupt passes while minimizing penalties. Kenneth also shows awareness in run support, flowing downhill and wrapping up securely in space. Overall, his film reflects a player who is disciplined, explosive, and consistently around the ball, making plays in both the passing and running game.      Kingston shows a natural ability to read the field and anticipate plays before they fully develop. He moves with fluidity in coverage, staying balanced and low through transitions, which allows him to stay close to receivers and break on the ball quickly. His instincts come through in both man and zone coverage, where he consistently finds the right leverage and angles. Kingston isn't just reactive—he's aggressive when the ball is in the air, going for contested catches and showing reliable ball skills. In the open field, he displays sudden bursts of speed and the agility to change direction smoothly, making him a threat on interceptions and run support. What sets him apart is his competitive edge; he doesn't shy away from physical matchups and shows the awareness to take smart risks without overcommitting.      Addon's film highlights a defensive back who plays with confidence and anticipation. He reads the quarterback and receiver quickly, giving himself the chance to react to throws rather than playing purely on speed. His tape shows smooth, controlled movement in coverage, staying in phase through route breaks and keeping leverage on the field. Addon attacks the ball aggressively when it's in the air, showing timing and physicality to contest catches. In the run game, he flows downhill decisively, taking smart angles and finishing with strong, secure tackles. Overall, his film reflects a disciplined, aware player who consistently puts himself in position to make plays and impact the game.      Alpha's film shows a defensive back who plays with a rare combination of speed, anticipation, and physicality. He reads route concepts quickly, staying square to receivers while keeping his eyes on the quarterback, which allows him to react immediately when the ball is in the air. His tape highlights smooth transitions and fluid hips, enabling him to mirror receivers through multiple cuts without losing leverage. Alpha attacks the catch point with timing and confidence, often disrupting receptions and finishing tackles decisively in space. In run support, he flows downhill with intent, taking efficient angles and demonstrating reliable tackling technique. Overall, his film reflects a dynamic, disciplined playmaker who consistently impacts the game in both coverage and run support.      Elijah's film shows a defensive back who plays with poise and sharp instincts. He stays disciplined in his alignment, reading both the receiver and quarterback to anticipate the play before it fully develops. His tape highlights smooth footwork and fluid hips, allowing him to stay tight on routes and limit separation. Elijah attacks the ball in the air with timing and physicality, often contesting catches or breaking passes up cleanly. In run support, he flows downhill quickly and takes smart angles to finish tackles in space. Overall, his film reflects a composed, reliable defender who consistently puts himself in the right position and makes plays on both passing and running downs.      Di'Avion's film shows a defensive back who plays with confidence and a natural feel for the game. He reads the quarterback and receiver quickly, allowing him to react to route breaks with efficiency rather than overcommitting. His tape highlights fluid hips and smooth transitions, helping him stay tight in coverage while maintaining proper leverage. Di'Avion attacks the football aggressively at the catch point, disrupting passes and showing strong hands. In run support, he flows downhill decisively, taking proper angles and wrapping up securely in space. Overall, his film reflects a player who combines awareness, athleticism, and competitiveness to consistently make impactful plays.      Jayden's film shows a defensive back who plays with both anticipation and aggression. He reads route stems and quarterback eyes quickly, allowing him to react efficiently without overcommitting. His tape highlights smooth footwork and the ability to mirror receivers through multiple cuts, keeping leverage and minimizing separation. Jayden attacks the ball at the catch point with timing and physicality, often breaking up passes or forcing incompletions. In run support, he flows downhill decisively, taking smart angles and finishing tackles with authority. Overall, his film reflects a disciplined, competitive defender who consistently puts himself in position to make plays across the field.      Landon's film highlights a defensive back who combines smooth movement with strong instincts. He reads the quarterback and receiver effectively, allowing him to anticipate routes and react quickly without losing balance. His tape shows tight, controlled footwork and fluid hip transitions, keeping him in phase through multiple cuts. Landon competes at the catch point, using timing and physicality to disrupt receptions and create turnovers when possible. In the run game, he flows downhill with intent, taking proper angles and finishing tackles decisively in space. Overall, his film reflects a disciplined, aware, and competitive player who consistently makes an impact in both coverage and run support.      Ruffin Bandera's film shows a defensive back who plays with speed, anticipation, and a high motor. He consistently reads the quarterback and routes quickly, allowing him to break on the ball with timing rather than reacting late. His tape highlights smooth hips and fluid footwork, keeping him tight on receivers while maintaining proper leverage. Ruffin attacks the football aggressively at the catch point and shows the ability to create turnovers or disrupt passes. In run support, he flows downhill decisively, taking smart angles and finishing tackles with authority. Overall, his film reflects a playmaker who combines awareness, athleticism, and competitiveness to impact the game on every snap.      Maylin's film shows a defensive back who plays with a blend of awareness, agility, and confidence. He reads routes and quarterback eyes quickly, putting himself in position to react efficiently rather than chasing plays. His tape highlights smooth footwork and fluid hip movement, allowing him to stay tight on receivers through multiple cuts while maintaining leverage. Maylin competes at the catch point with timing and physicality, often breaking up passes or forcing incompletions. In the run game, he flows downhill with purpose, taking proper angles and finishing tackles securely. Overall, his film reflects a disciplined, competitive defender who consistently makes plays and impacts both the passing and running game.      Jeremiah's film shows a defensive back who combines instinctive play with controlled aggression. He reads the quarterback and routes quickly, allowing him to anticipate breaks and react efficiently. His tape highlights smooth transitions and tight footwork, keeping him in phase with receivers while maintaining leverage. Jeremiah attacks the football at the catch point with timing and physicality, often disrupting receptions and forcing incompletions. In run support, he flows downhill decisively, taking smart angles and finishing tackles in space. Overall, his film reflects a disciplined, aware, and competitive defender who consistently impacts the game on every snap.      Joseph's film shows a defensive back who plays with discipline, awareness, and a competitive edge. He consistently reads the quarterback and receiver, putting himself in position to react quickly to route breaks and throws. His tape highlights smooth footwork and fluid hip transitions, allowing him to mirror receivers effectively while maintaining proper leverage. Joseph competes aggressively at the catch point, breaking up passes or challenging receptions with strong hands. In the run game, he flows downhill decisively, taking smart angles and finishing tackles securely. Overall, his film reflects a reliable, instinctive defender who impacts both passing and running plays consistently.      Omarion's film shows a defensive back who plays with confidence, awareness, and a natural feel for the game. He reads the quarterback and receiver quickly, allowing him to anticipate routes and react efficiently without overcommitting. His tape highlights fluid hips and tight footwork, keeping him in phase through multiple cuts while maintaining proper leverage. Omarion attacks the ball at the catch point with timing and physicality, often disrupting receptions or forcing incompletions. In run support, he flows downhill decisively, taking smart angles and finishing tackles with authority. Overall, his film reflects a disciplined, competitive playmaker who consistently makes an impact in coverage and in the run game.      Damario's film shows a defensive back who combines anticipation, athleticism, and physicality. He reads routes and the quarterback quickly, allowing him to break on the ball with timing rather than reacting late. His tape highlights smooth, controlled footwork and fluid hip movement, keeping him tight on receivers while maintaining leverage. Damario attacks the catch point decisively, disrupting passes and showing the ability to create turnovers. In run support, he flows downhill with purpose, taking smart angles and finishing tackles securely. Overall, his film reflects a confident, disciplined, and competitive defender who consistently impacts the game on every snap.      Myles's film shows a defensive back who plays with a balance of speed, awareness, and physicality. He reads the quarterback and receiver quickly, allowing him to anticipate route breaks and get to the ball efficiently. His tape highlights smooth footwork and fluid hip transitions, helping him stay in phase through multiple cuts while maintaining leverage. Myles attacks the catch point with timing and aggression, disrupting passes and forcing incompletions when possible. In run support, he flows downhill decisively, taking proper angles and finishing tackles in space. Overall, his film reflects a disciplined, competitive, and reliable defender who consistently impacts both the passing and running game.      Eltroy's film shows a defensive back who plays with confidence, instincts, and physicality. He reads the quarterback and receiver quickly, allowing him to anticipate breaks and react efficiently without overcommitting. His tape highlights smooth footwork and fluid hips, keeping him in phase with receivers through multiple cuts while maintaining proper leverage. Eltroy attacks the ball at the catch point with timing and aggression, often breaking up passes or creating turnovers. In run support, he flows downhill decisively, taking smart angles and finishing tackles securely in space. Overall, his film reflects a disciplined, competitive defender who consistently makes an impact on every play.      John's film shows a defensive back who combines awareness, technique, and competitive toughness. He reads the quarterback and receiver quickly, allowing him to react efficiently to route breaks and throws. His tape highlights fluid footwork and smooth hip transitions, keeping him tight on receivers while maintaining leverage and limiting separation. John attacks the football at the catch point with timing and physicality, often disrupting passes or forcing incompletions. In run support, he flows downhill decisively, taking proper angles and finishing tackles securely. Overall, his film reflects a disciplined, instinctive defender who consistently impacts both the passing and running game.      Priestly's film shows a defensive back who plays with confidence, awareness, and physicality. He reads the quarterback and receiver quickly, putting himself in position to react to route breaks and throws efficiently. His tape highlights smooth footwork and fluid hip movement, allowing him to stay in phase with receivers while maintaining proper leverage. Priestly attacks the football at the catch point with timing and aggression, often breaking up passes or creating turnovers. In run support, he flows downhill decisively, taking smart angles and finishing tackles securely. Overall, his film reflects a disciplined, competitive, and reliable defender who consistently makes an impact on every play.      Rayne's film shows a defensive back who combines awareness, athleticism, and controlled aggression. He reads the quarterback and receiver quickly, allowing him to anticipate route breaks and react efficiently without overcommitting. His tape highlights smooth footwork and fluid hips, keeping him tight on receivers while maintaining leverage and limiting separation. Rayne attacks the ball at the catch point with timing and physicality, often breaking up passes or forcing incompletions. In run support, he flows downhill decisively, taking smart angles and finishing tackles in space. Overall, his film reflects a disciplined, competitive playmaker who consistently impacts the game in both coverage and against the run.     Looking at the tape and performances so far, it's clear that the 2027 defensive back class is loaded with playmakers who combine athleticism, awareness, and competitiveness. These are the type of DBs who can change the outcome of a game with a timely break on the ball, a perfectly timed tackle, or a decisive play in space. College programs and recruiters will want to keep a close eye on these athletes, as their ability to read the game, stay disciplined, and make consistent plays sets them apart. This group is not just talented—they're prepared, instinctive, and ready to leave a mark on the field in the years ahead.

As we look ahead to the 2027 class, several defensive backs are emerging as players to watch who could make an immediate impact at the next level. These DBs are showing a combination of speed, instincts, and physicality that set them apart on film and in live competition. What makes them stand out is not just their athletic ability, but their understanding of leverage, route recognition, and ball skills—traits that allow them to consistently stay in phase, contest passes, and make plays in the open field. Whether breaking on the ball in coverage, disrupting timing, or coming downhill to finish in run support, this group represents the rising playmakers who could define the secondary landscape over the next few seasons.