2028 Rankings Up and Coming Defensive Backs to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 class continues to take shape as new additions make their way into the rankings and prepare to make their mark this season. This group features defensive backs that bringing versatility, physicality and playmaking ability. Several prospects have already started gaining attention, while others are entering the season with an opportunity to turn strong offseason work into production. Each player has a chance to elevate his stock and become a name to watch moving forward. For more Colorado recruiting coverage, use code DavisPRZ30 for money off Prep Redzone subscriptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2079619"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7e3261ecbb7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Neelein Shead is a 2028 defensive back who enters the season with an opportunity to continue building momentum after showcasing his abilities this spring. One of his strongest traits is his open field tackling, as he consistently shows the willingness to finish plays in space. Shead is also a reliable defender against slot receivers, using his speed and footwork to stay connected through routes. His ability to close ground quickly gives him a chance to limit separation and make plays before receivers can make a move with the ball after the catch. With a full season ahead, Shead will be looking to turn his spring performance into consistent production and establish himself as a name on the rise in the 2028 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2129839"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7e3261ecc14"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keegan Stuhr is a versatile 2028 defensive back with the skill set to make an impact from multiple alignments. He has the ability to line up at safety or over slot receivers, allowing him to take away receiving threats while giving his defense flexibility. Stuhr shows the speed to stay hip to hip with receivers and the instincts to break on the football when opportunities develop. His ability to close quickly can put him in position to create turnovers and change possession. He also brings value on special teams, where his athleticism and willingness to compete can create additional opportunities. With his versatility, coverage ability and playmaking potential, Stuhr is a name to know as he looks to have a breakout season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2202965"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7e3261ecc5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Michael Beulah is an under the radar 2028 prospect who has an opportunity to make a major statement as a small school defender. He showed his playmaking ability last season with two interceptions, showing the vision and instincts needed to create turnovers. Beulah has the potential to become an even more productive defender with a full season in front of him. His ability to read the field and capitalize on opportunities gives him a foundation to build from, while continued development can help him gain more attention from recruiters. If he can turn those flashes into consistent production, Beulah has the chance to become one of the more intriguing names outside the top 100 and make a significant jump in the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2202959"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7e3261ecca2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Desmond Burton is an under the radar defensive back from Southern Colorado who enters the season looking to put together a full campaign and turn some heads. He possesses strong ball hawking instincts and has the ability to create turnovers when the football comes his way. Burton can also develop into a lockdown defender in coverage, using his athleticism and competitive mentality to challenge receivers throughout the route. His ability to make plays in the open field adds another layer to his defensive value and gives his team a reliable playmaker on the back end. If Burton can put all of his tools together consistently this season, he has the potential to become a name on the rise and get more recognition within the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2130761"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7e3261ecce6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tabor Shortridge brings a physical, versatile skill set to the 2028 defensive back group after spending significant time playing off the edge last season. That experience has helped him develop a strong understanding of playing in the box, where he can support the run, shed blocks and make plays on ball carriers. Shortridge also has the physicality to deliver punishing hits in the hole or open field. His top end speed gives him the ability to close space, while his footwork provides a solid foundation for coverage responsibilities. As he continues developing as a defensive back, his experience near the line of scrimmage could become a major advantage. Shortridge is a name to monitor as his role expands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->