2028 Under the Radar DB's Making Their Debut to the Rankings

Today we will be taking a look at several new defensive backs that are emerging as legitimate ball hawks with the tools to elevate their stock. Each of these prospects flashed playmaking instincts, competitiveness and the ability to impact games from the secondary. With continued development and production, they have a chance to climb the rankings and become names scouts must know.    Shellhorn has established himself as a lockdown presence in the stacked Centennial League, positioning himself as a defensive back on the rise. Competing weekly against high level receivers has sharpened his technique and confidence in coverage. Shellhorn finished the season with 45 total tackles, three tackles for loss and one interception, showcasing his ability to contribute beyond coverage responsibilities. He consistently stays in a receiver's hip pocket, displaying smooth footwork and the awareness to jump passing lanes. His knack for getting hands on the football and batting passes away makes quarterbacks think twice about challenging him. Continued growth and increased takeaways could elevate him into true game changer status for Arapahoe.     Baca brings an intriguing blend of makeup speed, anticipation and competitive toughness to the cornerback position. He excels in trail technique, using his recovery burst to close ground and disrupt passes, high pointing the football. Baca recorded 30 total tackles and two interceptions, highlighting his ball skills and willingness to be involved in run support. His ability to read route concepts and get in and out of breaks allows him to create turnover opportunities. As he looks to carve out a larger role, his defensive impact was something that stands out from this season. With continued refinement in technique and confidence, Baca has the tools to become a consistent difference maker in the secondary.     Chyzy proved to be a disruptive force in the secondary for Ponderosa, consistently challenging receivers and competing and showing his high motor. He totaled 44 tackles and added a tackle for loss, reflecting both physicality and willingness to step up in run support. Chyzy shows smooth hips and nice footwork, allowing him to mirror routes and stay attached at their hip. His ability to contest passes and get a hand on the football limits explosive plays downfield. with the upcoming season, Chyzy is primed to expand his overall impact. A jump in takeaways could quickly solidify him as one of the more dependable defensive backs in the conference.     Nickleberry plays with an edge and relentless motor that immediately stands out on film. He does not hesitate to step downhill and deliver punishing hits on ball carriers, bringing tone setting energy to the secondary. Nickleberry finished with 30 total tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble, showing his ability to create momentum changing plays. His size and physicality translate well to special teams, adding another layer to his game as he took a kick return back for a touchdown. As he continues to polish his coverage skills and build on last season's production, his stock should continue to rise. With sustained development, he has the potential to push into top 50 conversations.     Haus is an instinctive defensive back whose versatility adds intrigue to his projection. He tracked the ball well throughout the season, securing three interceptions and consistently positioning himself around the action. Haus also demonstrated his ability to impact the game near the line of scrimmage, recording one sack, 2.5 tackles for loss and 13 total tackles. His awareness and timing allow him to play from multiple positions, giving his defense flexibility in coverage and pressure packages. As he works toward carving out a larger role, Haus has the foundation to become a true impact defender. A strong offseason could set the stage for a breakout campaign.

Today we will be taking a look at several new defensive backs that are emerging as legitimate ball hawks with the tools to elevate their stock. Each of these prospects flashed playmaking instincts, competitiveness and the ability to impact games from the secondary. With continued development and production, they have a chance to climb the rankings and become names scouts must know.