LA City Section Watchlist: Top Defensive Backs

The LA City Section continues to produce defensive back talent at a high rate, and this year's DB Watchlist features 12 prospects with legitimate college upside. From advanced cover corners and ball-hawking safeties to long, physical athletes who can play multiple positions, these defensive backs bring a wide range of tools and developmental paths. I've broken down each player's film, highlighting what they do well, areas for improvement, and how they project at the next level. Here's my complete scouting report on the 2027–2029 class of LA City Section defensive backs.    What You Do Well   Elite deep-ball coverage traits. Saulter consistently shows the ability to maintain outside leverage, flip his hips smoothly, and run stride-for-stride with vertical receivers. He uses his 6'2” frame to contest throws at the catch point without grabbing, and he tracks the ball well in the air. Multiple clips demonstrate him high-pointing or deflecting deep fades and posts — exactly the type of “takeaway” ability that wins at the next level.   Length and ball skills. His wingspan allows him to disrupt timing windows that shorter corners simply cannot reach. When the ball is in the air, he shows natural hands and timing.   Athleticism and recovery speed. He displays good burst out of breaks and the ability to recover when beaten initially — traits that project well against spread offenses that stress the perimeter.   Changes that would take him to the next level   Tackling angles and decisiveness in run support. The most glaring area is tackling. Multiple clips show Saulter taking poor angles because he hesitates at the point of attack — either waiting an extra beat to read the play or failing to square his shoulders before engaging. This hesitation turns potential “thud” tackles into arm tackles or missed opportunities.   Consistency in short-area man coverage. While the deep ball is a strength, the reel is lighter on press-man and zone drops inside the numbers. He will need to prove he can handle quick game and crossing routes without giving up easy separation.   Projection: How He Helps a Team Win   Best-case projection: Power 4 starter by Year 2–3, with early sub-package contributions as a true freshman.   Saulter's size-length-speed combination is rare at the high school level, especially for a 2028 kid. If he cleans up the hesitation in run support and adds 10–15 lbs of functional strength while keeping his explosiveness, he has D1 upside.   Bottom Line   [player_tooltip player_id='1717705' first='Bennie' last='Saulter'] is one of the more intriguing 2028 defensive backs in the Los Angeles area. The deep-ball coverage is already at a Power 4 level on tape. The tackling hesitation is fixable with coaching and reps. If he stays healthy and attacks his development with the same motor he shows on film, he has a legitimate chance to be a multi-year starter at a Power 4 program   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BennieSaulter/status/2032633296417616155?s=20 </div></figure>     What You Do Well   • Very physical player who wins with strength and toughness. O'Dell plays with a noticeable edge. Whether blocking on the perimeter, fighting through traffic after the catch, or finishing tackles on defense, he consistently imposes his will. He is not afraid to initiate contact and plays bigger than his listed weight.   • Good tackler with finishing ability. On defense he shows the ability to wrap up and drive through ball carriers. Multiple clips demonstrate clean, aggressive tackles in the open field and near the sideline — a rare trait for a high school corner.   • Good deep-ball coverage traits. When the ball is thrown downfield, O'Dell shows the ability to stay in phase, locate the ball, and contest throws. He has the length and ball skills to make plays on the football when the opportunity presents itself.   Explosive playmaker on offense. The highlight reel is clearly stronger on the offensive side. O'Dell displays good speed after the catch, strong hands, and the ability to create yards after contact. He wins with physicality at the catch point and shows a nose for the end zone. His offensive production and explosiveness are noticeably ahead of his defensive development.   Changes that would take you to the next level   • Footwork and backpedal need significant refinement. The defensive clips reveal stiffness in his transition out of his backpedal and a lack of fluidity when changing directions. He tends to get “stuck” in his feet when trying to flip his hips or plant-and-drive, which allows receivers to create separation on intermediate routes and crossing patterns. This is the most glaring technical deficiency on the defensive side of the tape.   • Defensive instincts and processing are still developing. While he makes some plays, he is often a step late reacting to route combinations or play-action. His eyes and feet are not yet in sync at the level required to play corner at the next level.   • Frame and weight distribution. At 144 lbs he is light for a physical corner who wants to play press or tackle in the run game consistently. He will need to add functional strength and mass (ideally 15–20 lbs) to hold up against bigger college receivers and offensive linemen.   • Offensive polish vs. defensive rawness. The film makes it obvious he has spent more developmental time on offense. His route-running, release, and YAC ability look more advanced than his coverage technique and read-and-react ability on defense.   Projection: How He Helps a Team Win   Best-case projection: Power 4 or high-end Group of 5 starting wide receiver with special-teams upside.   O'Dell's physicality, length, and playmaking ability translate extremely well to the wide receiver position at the collegiate level. If he continues to develop his route tree and adds weight while maintaining his explosiveness, he has the skill set to be a productive starter who helps a team win by stretching the field vertically and winning in the intermediate game.   Bottom Line   [player_tooltip player_id='1698940' first='Michael' last='O'Dell'] is a competitive, physical athlete with legitimate two-way potential, but the tape shows he is clearly further along and more impactful on offense.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Michael_ODell3/status/2045234747392335961?s=20 </div></figure>     What You Do Well   • Explosive first step and playmaking ability. Martin explodes off the line or out of the backfield with outstanding burst and acceleration. He creates separation quickly in short areas and turns short catches or handoffs into chunk plays. His ability to hit the accelerator in the open field is a clear strength and shows up repeatedly on the tape.   • Tracks the ball extremely well. Whether on deep fades, crossing routes, or screens, Martin demonstrates excellent ball-tracking skills, body control, and concentration. He adjusts to underthrown or off-target passes, high-points when needed, and secures the catch through contact. This trait stands out and gives him big-play potential on vertical routes and in the intermediate game.   • Elusiveness and vision after the catch. He has a low center of gravity, quick feet, and the ability to make defenders miss in space. Multiple clips show him turning routine plays into long gains by using vision and sudden change-of-direction ability.   • Competitive toughness. Despite his size, Martin plays with a fearless mentality, fighting for extra yards and finishing runs or catches with physicality.   Changes that would take you to the next level   • Size and physicality against bigger defenders. At 5'8” and 160 lbs he will face a significant jump in competition at the college level. He can be bumped off routes or wrapped up more easily by bigger defensive backs and linebackers. Adding functional strength (especially in the upper body and core) will be critical for sustaining production.   Projection: How He Helps a Team Win   Best-case projection: High-end Group of 5 or Power 4 rotational skill player (slot WR / scat-back hybrid) who contributes immediately on special teams and as a change-of-pace offensive weapon.   Martin's explosiveness and ball-tracking ability make him a constant threat to score from anywhere on the field. He can stretch defenses vertically as a deep threat, create mismatches in the slot or backfield, and turn short gains into explosive plays.   Bottom Line   Damico Martin is an explosive, ball-tracking playmaker whose highlights demonstrate the traits that win games at the next level — suddenness, hands, and the ability to create something out of nothing. While his frame presents challenges, his athletic traits and competitive nature give him a clear path to contributing early, especially in schemes that emphasize space, motion, and big-play ability.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/M1xoRealThurl/status/2048272901091287375?s=20 </div></figure>     What You Do Well   • Polished as a receiver. Panton displays advanced route-running technique for a high school junior. He runs crisp, precise routes with good stem and stem-to-break timing, sells fakes well, and shows the ability to create separation at the top of the route. His hands are reliable, and he catches the ball cleanly in stride with good body control — traits that translate directly to the college game.   • Athletic traits and explosiveness. He possesses good speed, burst off the line, and the ability to accelerate after the catch. The reel shows him creating yards after the catch and making plays in space, demonstrating the twitch and suddenness that defensive coordinators must account for. His athleticism also flashes on the defensive side (FS) with range and closing speed.   • Versatility and football intelligence. Panton looks comfortable in multiple alignments and shows the ability to process and react quickly. His smooth movement skills allow him to transition between offense and defense without looking out of place — a valuable trait for a two-way high school player.   • Ball skills and body control. Whether on offense or defense, he tracks the ball well and adjusts to throws in the air, showing the coordination and awareness of a natural athlete.   Changes that would take you to the next level   • Strength and physicality. At 160 lbs he is still light for consistent production against bigger, more physical college defenders. He can be bumped off routes or wrapped up too easily in the open field. Adding 15–20 lbs of functional strength while maintaining his speed will be essential.   • Defensive instincts and tackling. While the reel shows athletic range at FS, full-game film would be needed to evaluate his read-and-react ability, ball production, and tackling in the run game. At this stage he projects more as a developmental defensive back who relies on athleticism rather than a finished product.   Projection: How He Helps a Team Win   Best-case projection: Power 4 or high-end Group of 5 starting slot receiver / nickel defensive back hybrid with special-teams value.   Panton's polish as a receiver combined with his athletic traits gives him a clear path to early contributions. On offense he can stretch the field, win in the intermediate game, and create after the catch. On defense his range and ball skills project well in sub packages (Cover 3, quarters, or man).   Bottom Line   Darren Panton is a smooth, athletic junior who already looks like a polished receiver and possesses the explosive traits that win at the next level. While he is still developing physically and defensively, his natural ability and football intelligence give him legitimate two-way upside.   <a href="https://twitter.com/Djaay____/status/1998822051218595995?s=20">https://twitter.com/Djaay____/status/1998822051218595995?s=20</a>     What You Do Well   • Advanced footwork and technique. Chandler's backpedal, hip fluidity, and transition ability are noticeably ahead of his peers. He maintains balance, keeps his feet active, and flips his hips cleanly without false steps. This allows him to stay in phase with receivers on vertical routes and plant-and-drive with authority on intermediate throws. The footwork alone separates him as the top pure corner on this list.   • Good tackler with finishing ability. He shows the willingness and technique to wrap up and drive through ball carriers. Multiple clips demonstrate clean, aggressive tackles in the open field and near the sideline — a trait that will help him contribute early on special teams and in run support.   • Ball skills and coverage instincts. Chandler tracks the ball well in the air, shows good hand-eye coordination, and understands how to use his length to contest throws. He plays with confidence and doesn't panic when the ball is in the air.   • Athleticism and range. His speed and change-of-direction ability allow him to cover a lot of ground, making him effective in both man coverage and zone drops. He has the traits to play outside or inside at the next level.   Changes that would take him to the next level   • Strength and physicality. As a young sophomore he is still developing the functional strength needed to hold up against bigger college receivers at the line of scrimmage or in the run game. Adding 15–20 lbs of good weight while maintaining his twitch will be critical.   • Experience and consistency. The highlight reel is impressive, but full-game film would reveal how he handles fatigue, multiple route combinations, and when the offense forces him to play on an island for four quarters. He is still learning how to process complex offensive schemes.   Projection: How He Helps a Team Win   Best-case projection: Starter by Year 2–3, with early sub-package and special-teams contributions as a true freshman.   Chandler's advanced footwork and tackling ability give him a clear path to playing time much earlier than most high school sophomores. He can take away vertical threats, force quarterbacks to check down, and contribute in the run game — three traits that directly help a defense win.   Bottom Line   [player_tooltip player_id='1515868' first='Nathan' last='Chandler'] is the best pure cornerback on this watchlist. His advanced footwork, clean technique, and finishing ability as a tackler give him a significant head start on his peers. While he is still developing physically and gaining experience, the traits are already there for him to become a multi-year starter at a high level.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Nat3Chandler/status/2049490788485382605?s=20 </div></figure>     What You Do Well   • Breaks on the ball extremely well. This is Bell's clearest strength on the available tape. He demonstrates quick plant-and-drive ability, excellent reaction time, and the ability to close on throws with authority. His timing and burst to the ball in coverage are advanced for his age and stand out as a high-level trait.   • Length and ball skills. At 6'1” he uses his frame effectively to contest throws and high-point the football. When the ball is in the air he shows good tracking and the ability to make plays on it rather than just batting it down.   • Athletic upside and versatility. Bell moves well for his size and shows the fluidity to play both outside and in the slot. His two-way background (CB/WR) suggests good overall athleticism and football intelligence.   Competitive motor. Even on limited reps he plays with energy and finishes plays, traits that project well to the college game.   Changes that would take you to the next level   • Limited film available for evaluation. The profile contains very few highlights, which restricts the ability to assess consistency, full-game processing, run support, or performance against varied schemes. More extensive game film (especially full varsity reps) is needed before a complete grade can be assigned.   Strength and physicality. At 155 lbs he is still light and will need to add significant functional strength (15–20+ lbs) to hold up against bigger college receivers at the line of scrimmage and in the run game.   Best-case projection: Power 4 or high-end Group of 5 starter at cornerback with special-teams value by Year 2–3.   Bell's ability to break on the ball and use his length gives him the traits to become a disruptive perimeter defender who takes away vertical threats and creates turnovers. Adding strength and gaining experience will unlock his full potential as a player who forces quarterbacks to hesitate and limits explosive plays.   Bottom Line   Asani “AJ” Bell shows excellent ball reaction skills and promising length for a young sophomore corner. While the limited highlights on his profile prevent a complete evaluation, the flashes are high-quality and suggest he is a developmental prospect with legitimate Power 4 potential.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/1najwetrust/status/2048890930502279231?s=20 </div></figure>     What You Do Well   • Long arms create disruption. Lockhart uses his length exceptionally well to bat down passes from distances that shorter corners cannot reach. This trait shows up repeatedly on the tape, especially in off-coverage and zone drops, where he can affect throws without needing to be in perfect position.   • Effective in press coverage. His long arms help him jam and reroute receivers at the line of scrimmage, disrupting timing and creating opportunities for the defense. He shows good initial punch and the ability to maintain contact through the stem.   • Good tackler with finishing ability. Lockhart is aggressive and wraps up well. He drives through ball carriers and shows the physicality and willingness to finish plays in the open field and near the sideline — a valuable trait for any defensive back.   • Competitive motor and length. He plays with energy and uses his frame to contest catches, making him a nuisance for quarterbacks and receivers on intermediate and short routes.   Changes that would take him to the next level   • Footwork and transition technique. The most glaring area on the reel is footwork. Lockhart's backpedal and hip fluidity need refinement. He can get “stuck” or take false steps when transitioning from backpedal to plant-and-drive, which slows his reaction time.   • Gets turned around on longer routes. On vertical and deep crossing routes he occasionally loses phase or gets spun around, allowing receivers to create separation down the field. Improving hip sink, click-and-close mechanics, and overall transition quickness will be essential.   • Consistency in man coverage. While his length helps in press and zone, he can be beaten when forced into pure man coverage on longer-developing routes. Better footwork and anticipation will close this gap.   • Strength and body control. Adding functional strength will help him maintain leverage in press and when tackling bigger ball carriers. He occasionally loses balance when engaged at the line or in run support.   Projection: How He Helps a Team Win   Best-case projection: Group of 5 starter or Power 4 rotational nickel/defensive back with special-teams value.   Lockhart's length, press ability, and tackling give him a clear path to contributing early, especially in zone-heavy or press-man schemes. With refined footwork he can develop into a reliable perimeter defender who limits explosive plays and adds physicality to the secondary.   Bottom Line   Laron Lockhart is a long, physical junior corner who already wins with his arms in press coverage and by batting down balls from distance. His good tackling ability adds another layer to his game. While footwork and transition issues on longer routes need work, the foundation is solid.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LaronLockhart2/status/2027023688865038778?s=20 </div></figure>     What You Do Well   • Impressive ball production (7 interceptions). Seven picks in a single junior season is outstanding and speaks to elite instincts and timing. Riley consistently finds the ball in the air and makes plays on it, turning potential completions into turnovers. This level of production is rare and immediately elevates his profile.   • Natural ability to track the ball. He shows excellent ball skills, body control, and concentration when the ball is in the air. Whether on deep balls, crossing routes, or underthrown passes, he adjusts well and secures the interception with confidence.   • Good tackler with finishing ability. Riley wraps up and drives through ball carriers effectively. He shows the physicality and willingness to finish plays in the open field, adding a layer of reliability to his game beyond just coverage.   • Playmaking instincts and range. The reel demonstrates good range and anticipation at the free safety position. He reads quarterbacks well and attacks the football with purpose.   Changes that would take him to the next level   • Footwork needs cleaning up. While his ball skills are advanced, Riley's footwork and transition technique can be refined. He occasionally takes false steps or shows slight stiffness in his backpedal and plant-and-drive, which can allow receivers to create separation on intermediate routes. Smoother hips and quicker transitions will elevate his consistency.   • Strength and physicality at the point of attack. Adding functional strength will help him hold up better in press situations (if asked to play closer to the line) and when tackling bigger skill players or tight ends.   Projection: How He Helps a Team Win   Best-case projection: Power 4 or high-end Group of 5 starting free safety with special-teams value.   Riley's 7-interception junior season and natural ball-tracking ability project him as a turnover creator who can immediately impact games. His instincts and range allow him to play centerfield effectively, taking away deep threats and forcing quarterbacks into mistakes. Good tackling adds run-support value, making him a well-rounded defensive back.   Bottom Line   Jacob Riley stands out with impressive production (7 interceptions) and natural ball-tracking ability. He tackles well and shows the instincts to make plays all over the field. While footwork is an area that needs cleaning up, the highlight reel demonstrates a player with clear playmaking traits.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/riley_jaco82962/status/2049717297741430913?s=20 </div></figure>     What You Do Well   • Good cover corner with solid technique. Lewis demonstrates the ability to stay with receivers in both man and zone coverage. He maintains proper positioning, uses his hands effectively at the line when needed, and shows good awareness of route developments. His coverage skills are reliable and translate well to the college level.   • Good footwork and transition ability. His backpedal is fluid, and he transitions smoothly from pedal to plant-and-drive. He keeps his feet active, maintains balance, and flips his hips cleanly without excessive false steps — traits that allow him to mirror receivers effectively on intermediate and short routes.   Changes that would take him to the next level   • Can get beat deep at times. The reel shows occasional instances where Lewis loses phase or gets turned around on vertical routes. This suggests room for improvement in deep-ball transition speed, hip sink, or overall recovery quickness when beaten initially. Tightening up his technique against speed receivers on go-fades and posts will be critical.   Projection: How He Helps a Team Win   Best-case projection: Group of 5 starter or Power 4 rotational nickel/slot corner with special-teams value.   Lewis's good footwork and cover skills project him as a reliable defender who can limit intermediate and short-area production.   Bottom Line   Lamont Lewis is a good cover corner with solid footwork who shows the technique and discipline to be a reliable defensive back at the next level. While he can get beat deep at times, his overall coverage skills and fundamentals give him a clear path to contributing.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/lamontlewisjr/status/1985379627343491393?s=20 </div></figure>     What You Do Well   • Noticeable athletic abilities. Rattler displays good speed, burst, and overall explosiveness. He accelerates quickly, changes direction with ease, and shows the twitch that allows him to create separation or make defenders miss. His athletic profile is a clear strength and translates well to multiple roles.   • Elusive traits and playmaking in space. He has the vision and quick feet to make defenders miss in the open field. Whether on jet sweeps, screens, or after the catch, he shows the ability to turn short gains into bigger plays through elusiveness and body control. This trait makes him a constant threat to score.   • Versatility as a two-way athlete. Listed as both WR and CB, Rattler's athleticism and elusiveness give him the tools to contribute on offense (as a dynamic receiver or returner) and defense (as an athletic corner or nickel). His movement skills are a separator at the high school level.   • Competitive finish. He plays with energy and shows the desire to make plays after the catch or in coverage, traits that project well to the college game.   Changes that would take him to the next level   • Limited film available for full evaluation. The 2:28 highlight reel provides only a glimpse of his game. More extensive game film (both offensive and defensive snaps) is needed to assess consistency, route-running polish, coverage technique, tackling, and performance over four quarters.   Projection: How He Helps a Team Win   Best-case projection: Group of 5 or Power 4 rotational skill player (slot WR / returner / nickel CB hybrid) with special-teams value.   Rattler's athleticism and elusiveness project him as a player who can create explosive plays and mismatches.   Bottom Line   Kyion Rattler shows noticeable athletic abilities and elusive traits that make him a dynamic prospect. His movement skills and playmaking potential in space are clear strengths, and his two-way background adds versatility. While the limited film prevents a complete evaluation and he will need to add strength and refine technique.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KyionRattler5/status/1981123292267500002?s=20 </div></figure>     What You Do Well   • Excellent willingness to block and physical toughness. Daniels consistently seeks out contact and finishes blocks with good effort and leverage. This trait is a major positive — it shows he plays with a physical edge and isn't afraid to engage defenders. These same qualities will help him as a defensive back in run support, tackling, and press coverage.   • Athletic traits and movement skills. The offensive highlights reveal good speed, quick feet, and body control. He accelerates well, changes direction smoothly, and shows the twitch and explosiveness that project to coverage and playmaking on defense.   Changes that would take him to the next level   • Limited defensive film for evaluation. The reel is predominantly wide receiver highlights, so there is very little tape to assess coverage technique, ball skills, footwork in the backpedal, or range as a free safety. A true DB evaluation requires more defensive snaps.   • Experience and consistency. At the freshman/sophomore level he is still learning the nuances of both positions. Continued reps on defense will be essential to determine his long-term projection as a DB.   Projection: How He Helps a Team Win   Best-case projection: His athletic traits from the offensive side of the tape project well to coverage and playmaking.   Bottom Line   Pharrell Daniels shows impressive willingness to block and noticeable athletic/physical traits that make him a promising two-way prospect. While the freshman highlight reel is heavy on wide receiver snaps and offers limited defensive evaluation, his toughness and motor are clear strengths that will benefit him as a defensive back.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/1of1_peezy/status/2030812134423363861?s=20 </div></figure>     What You Do Well   • Best DB on the list with excellent cover skills. Gillet demonstrates advanced technique and instincts in coverage. He maintains proper positioning, uses his length effectively, and shows the ability to mirror receivers in man coverage while also executing zone drops with discipline. His cover skills are the most polished of any player evaluated.   • Good tackler with finishing ability. He wraps up cleanly and drives through ball carriers with good physicality and leverage. His tackling is consistent and aggressive, adding a layer of reliability that many high school corners lack.   • Threat to score anytime he has the ball. Whether on interceptions, fumble recoveries, or offensive touches, Gillet shows explosive acceleration and elusiveness after the catch or turnover. He turns routine plays into big gains and has legitimate big-play ability that creates scoring opportunities.   • Athleticism and length. At 6'2” he uses his frame to contest throws and disrupt timing. His movement skills, burst, and change-of-direction ability allow him to cover a lot of ground and make plays all over the field.   • Overall polish and motor. The film shows a complete defensive back who plays with confidence, discipline, and a high motor. He rarely takes plays off and consistently makes an impact.   Changes that would take home to the next level   • Strength and mass. At 173 lbs he is still relatively lean and will benefit from adding 10–15 lbs of functional strength to hold up better in the run game and when jamming bigger receivers.   Projection: How He Helps a Team Win   Best-case projection: Power 4 starter at cornerback or nickel by Year 2, with early special-teams and sub-package contributions as a true freshman.   Gillet's combination of cover skills, tackling, length, and big-play ability when he gets the ball makes him a complete defensive back who can take away vertical threats, force turnovers, and contribute in the run game.   Bottom Line   [player_tooltip player_id='2067206' first='Kanwai' last='Gillet'] is the best defensive back on this watchlist. His good cover skills, physical tackling, and ability to be a threat to score anytime he touches the ball make him a complete and impactful player.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/11ReallyDatBoi/status/2043549768849449358?s=20 </div></figure>

The LA City Section continues to produce defensive back talent at a high rate, and this year's DB Watchlist features 12 prospects with legitimate college upside. From advanced cover corners and ball-hawking safeties to long, physical athletes who can play multiple positions, these defensive backs bring a wide range of tools and developmental paths. I've broken down each player's film, highlighting what they do well, areas for improvement, and how they project at the next level. Here's my complete scouting report on the 2027–2029 class of LA City Section defensive backs.

Bennie Saulter

HEIGHT 6'1"

WEIGHT 165

POS DB

CLASS 2028

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Bennie Saulter

State: California

School: Carson

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Michael O’Dell Michael O’Dell 6'1" | 170 lbs | WR Carson | 2027 State CA

HEIGHT 6'1"

WEIGHT 150

POS ATH

CLASS 2027

Michael O’Dell Michael O’Dell 6'1" | 170 lbs | WR Carson | 2027 State CA

School: Carson

Damico Martin

HEIGHT 5'8"

WEIGHT 150

POS ATH

CLASS 2027

Damico Martin

School: King Drew

Darren Panton

HEIGHT 5'11"

WEIGHT 160

POS ATH

CLASS 2027

Darren Panton

School: Carson

Nathan Chandler

HEIGHT 5'6"

WEIGHT 127

POS DB

CLASS 2029

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Nathan Chandler

State: California

School: Birmingham

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Asani Bell

WR/ATH

HEIGHT 6'1"

WEIGHT 160

POS WR/ATH

CLASS 2028

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Asani Bell

State: California

School: Gardena

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Laron Lockhart

HEIGHT 6'3"

WEIGHT 162

POS DB

CLASS 2028

Laron Lockhart

School: Palisades

Jacob Riley

HEIGHT 6'1"

WEIGHT 182

POS ATH

CLASS 2027

Jacob Riley

School: Hamilton

Lamont Lewis

HEIGHT 5'10"

WEIGHT 160

POS DB

CLASS 2027

Lamont Lewis

School: Palisades

Kyion Rattler

HEIGHT 5'11"

WEIGHT 152

POS ATH

CLASS 2027

Kyion Rattler

School: Crenshaw

Pharrell Daniels

HEIGHT 6'1"

WEIGHT 149

POS ATH

CLASS 2029

Pharrell Daniels

School: Banning

Kanwai Gillet

ATH

HEIGHT 6'1"

WEIGHT 155

POS ATH

CLASS 2027

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Kanwai Gillet

State: California

School: Hawkins

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LA City Section Watchlist: Top Defensive Backs

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Bennie Saulter

Bennie Saulter

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Michael O’Dell Michael O’Dell 6'1" | 170 lbs | WR Carson | 2027 State CA

Michael O’Dell Michael O’Dell 6'1" | 170 lbs | WR Carson | 2027 State CA

Damico Martin

Damico Martin

Darren Panton

Darren Panton

Nathan Chandler

Nathan Chandler

Highlights

Asani Bell

Asani Bell

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Laron Lockhart

Laron Lockhart

Jacob Riley

Jacob Riley

Lamont Lewis

Lamont Lewis

Kyion Rattler

Kyion Rattler

Pharrell Daniels

Pharrell Daniels

Kanwai Gillet

Kanwai Gillet

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