North Texas Junior DBs On the Rise

<p>After impressive junior seasons, several North Texas defensive backs have seen their stock surge. From sticky man-coverage corners to rangy, playmaking safeties, this group checks the boxes college staffs look for: length, ball skills, toughness in run support, and football IQ. Here's a closer look at the junior defenders turning heads heading into the offseason.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Brown has a natural nose for the football and a knack for creating turnovers. Despite a lean frame, he's stout and physical in the run game, showing no hesitation at the point of attack. His instincts and clean footwork allow him to play fast and decisively in coverage.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Offers: Texas State, Wake Forest, Western Kentucky, Utah 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/BrownCaryell/status/1988641603511005686?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Bibbs put together a highly productive junior campaign with 35 solo tackles, 15 PBUs, and 2 interceptions. A sticky cover defender, he excels in man and press coverage, rarely giving up ground. His speed and athleticism help him stay in phase on vertical routes, and his two-way ability is evident with 392 all-purpose yards on offense. Baylor, Houston and Rice offered Bibbs at the end if January.</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/JadenB_08/status/1997790431070101872?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1563213' first='Isaiah' last='Udom'] has emerged as one of the fastest-rising defensive prospects in Texas following a dominant junior campaign at South Oak Cliff. A rangy, instinctive safety, Udom plays the position with disciplined eyes and a natural feel for route concepts, allowing him to consistently be around the football.</p>   <p>He's a true ball hawk with strong ball skills and the ability to flip the field, turning interceptions into scoring opportunities. Udom brings a physical edge as a big hitter and is equally effective playing in the box, where he shows toughness and control in run support. His range on the back end allows him to close ground quickly and stay over the top on deep balls.</p>   <p>A key contributor to SOC's state championship run, Udom's stock has surged as college staffs have taken notice of his blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Recent Offers: SMU, UNLV, UTEP, Vanderbilt, Florida, Ole Miss, Missouri</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Smith is one of the most complete safeties in the region. An elite deep-field defender with excellent eye discipline, he's equally effective in the box as a blitzer and run supporter. His junior numbers back it up: 75 tackles, 8 TFLs, 2 INTs, and 2 sacks. Smith's balance, feet, and ball skills make him a top safety prospect firmly on college radars this offseason.</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/JujuSmith2027/status/1990208154718581017?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Jessie is a fluid, long defender with good hips and natural tracking ability on the ball in flight. He excels in press situations, crowding receivers early and staying in phase throughout routes. A reliable open-field tackler with strong awareness, he posted 42 tackles, 7 TFLs, 1 INT, and 16 PBUs as a junior.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Offers: North Texas, East Carolina, New Mexico State ( all in January)</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/Jessie_Mehki/status/2014871824748736922?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Thurston brings a long, lean, athletic frame paired with good feet and hip flexibility. He's controlled and physical in run support and has the speed to stay connected on downfield throws. A true two-way player, he also contributes at receiver. Junior production includes 82 tackles (61 solo) and 2 interceptions.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Offers: North Texas, Western Kentucky, Kansas State, UTEP (January)</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/ShahariamT/status/1995200977285337311?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Minger is a smooth, technically sound defensive back with excellent feet and natural ball skills.<br>He plays with control coming downhill in run support and consistently stays balanced at the<br>catch point. His combination of length and instincts shows up on contested throws, where he's<br>comfortable playing through the hands of receivers.<br>Offers: Texas State, UTSA, Lamar, Sacramento 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/Aayden4Minger/status/1987691053600718890?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Foreman is a lengthy corner with sticky man-coverage traits and excellent ball skills. His hips are smooth, and his explosiveness shows up when attacking the football, especially on jump balls. A dynamic two-way athlete who makes plays offensively as well, Foreman continues to draw national attention.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Offers: East Carolina, North Dakota, Arkansas, New Mexico, UTEP, Tulsa, Texas Tech, Oregon 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/dubbkd/status/1994517406002409742?s=20 </div></figure>

After impressive junior seasons, several North Texas defensive backs have seen their stock surge. From sticky man-coverage corners to rangy, playmaking safeties, this group checks the boxes college staffs look for: length, ball skills, toughness in run support, and football IQ. Here's a closer look at the junior defenders turning heads heading into the offseason.