2028 DBs: New Faces, Big Potential

<p>The 2028 class is starting to show plenty of promise in the secondary, with a new group of defensive backs beginning to separate themselves on film. From physical defenders who are comfortable playing downhill to athletic playmakers who can cover ground and make plays on the football, this group brings a variety of skill sets to the table. With the season continuing to unfold, these are some of the 2028 DBs who are starting to turn heads and deserve a closer look.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Carson is a versatile athlete who can contribute in different ways, but his ability really stands out when he gets on the defensive side of the ball. He plays with an aggressive mindset and does a good job of getting himself around the football. His athleticism allows him to close space quickly, and he has the instincts to react when the play starts developing in front of him. Carson isn't the type of defender who simply waits for the action to come his way; he has a natural ability to get involved and turn plays in his favor. Whether he is tracking down the ball carrier, working through traffic or making a play in space, he brings an active style that can create problems for opposing offenses.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Carson has been an active piece of the secondary this season, totaling 36 tackles with 20 coming solo, along with three tackles for loss and two pass breakups. What stands out on film is how quickly he gets involved once the ball moves his direction. Carson is an athlete who plays with confidence on defense and isn't afraid to come downhill to make a tackle. He does a good job closing space and using his athleticism to stay involved in the play, whether he is tracking a ball carrier or working to disrupt a pass. His two pass breakups also show his ability to make plays when the ball is in the air. With the combination of tackling ability, range and overall athleticism, Carson gives the secondary a defender who can impact the game in multiple ways.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ItzCarsonLaCott/status/2105105766466322457?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">One of the things I really like about Dexter's game is the angles he takes to the football. He consistently works himself into a position where he can cut off the ball carrier's path and give himself a clean opportunity to make the tackle. Dexter doesn't just chase the play from behind he understands where the ball is going and takes efficient routes to get there. That ability to put himself in the right spot allows him to limit extra yardage and finish plays that could otherwise turn into bigger gains. For a nickel, that kind of tackling awareness is a trait that stands out on film.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/lildex_11/status/2104549442288320900?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Ahrie Long gives the secondary some length and versatility at the DB position. He does a good job using his frame to stay in the play and make life difficult for opposing receivers. Ahrie shows the ability to cover ground in the defensive backfield while keeping himself in position to make a play when the ball comes his way. His length can also be useful at the catch point, allowing him to challenge throws and disrupt passing lanes.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Ahrie_Jackson10/status/2100032281867911531?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Kaden is off to a strong start this season, and his film shows a defensive back who is becoming more comfortable with each game. He has been active around the football and does a good job reacting once the play begins to unfold. Kaden shows the awareness to recognize routes developing in front of him while also staying ready to step up when the action comes into the run game. He competes for the football in coverage and doesn't hesitate to get involved when there is a chance to make a tackle.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/iam_alinedouard/status/2104978386229633030?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Theo has been one of the more active defensive backs on film this season, putting together three interceptions, including a pick-six, along with 22 tackles, three tackles for loss and eight pass breakups. His ball skills immediately jump off the film, but what makes his production even more impressive is how often he finds himself around the football. Theo competes at the catch point, has a knack for getting his hands on passes and can turn a coverage opportunity into a turnover. He also isn't afraid to step up against the run and make a tackle. With eight PBUs already on the season, Theo has shown he can consistently challenge opposing quarterbacks and make them think twice about testing his side of the field.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Kennan has been a steady contributor in the secondary, putting together 29 total tackles with 18 solo stops, 11 assists, two tackles for loss and a pass breakup. The numbers reflect a DB who is consistently finding his way into the action. Kennan shows a willingness to come downhill and finish plays, while his ability to get into the backfield for tackles behind the line adds another dimension to his game. He also has the awareness to make plays in coverage, as shown by his pass breakup.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Jariel is a defensive back I really enjoy watching because of the way he plays the position. He looks comfortable on the field and plays with a natural understanding of what is happening around him. Jariel does a good job reacting to the play, staying connected to his assignment and putting himself in position to make a difference. There's a confidence to his game that stands out on film, and he consistently looks like someone who understands what he wants to do before the play develops</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Joshua is the type of player who finds ways to contribute wherever he is needed, showing his value on both defense and special teams. At defensive back, he brings good awareness and stays engaged with the action, while his athletic ability allows him to close space and make plays in the open field. His impact on special teams is another part of his game that stands out, showing that he can be trusted to handle his responsibilities and make something happen when his number is called. That versatility gives Joshua plenty of ways to contribute on game day.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Keiundrae has been finding the football all season, and four interceptions are a clear reflection of his instincts in the secondary. His ball production stands out, but what caught my attention just as much is how quickly he comes downhill when it's time to tackle. He doesn't shy away from contact and does a good job closing the space between himself and the ball carrier. Keiundrae has shown he can impact the game in coverage while also giving his defense a reliable tackler on the back end. When you combine those traits with his ability to create takeaways, there is a lot about his game.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Weston has the skill set of a safety who is always looking for the next opportunity to make a play. He shows good awareness from the back end and does a nice job reacting when the action comes his way. Weston can cover ground, track the football and close quickly when he sees an opening to make a tackle. What stands out is his ability to turn good positioning into actual plays, whether that comes through coverage, pursuit or getting involved around the line of scrimmage. He brings a playmaking element to the safety position that can change a drive in a hurry.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/HubertusWe41593/status/2102474688996012432?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Jason has shown that he can be a difference-maker when the ball comes into his area. He does a good job getting downhill to make tackles and has a knack for attacking the football once he gets to the ball carrier. That has led to multiple forced fumbles, showing his ability to create turnovers instead of simply ending the play. Jason also does a nice job staying involved after the initial contact and finishing what he starts. His combination of tackling ability and knack for knocking the ball loose gives him another way to impact a game and makes him a defender offenses have to account for.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Lewis wastes no time showing his ball skills on film. On the first two plays of his highlights, he does an excellent job tracking the football and comes away with interceptions, showing the instincts and awareness to locate the ball in the air. Then on the third play, he nearly takes another one all the way to the house. That sequence tells you a lot about Lewis as a defender—he isn't just getting his hands on the football, he is looking to turn those opportunities into points. His ability to track, secure and attack the ball makes him a DB worth keeping an eye on.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Ronnie has shown a nose for the football, especially when the opportunity comes to make a play on an interception. He does a good job reading the quarterback and recognizing when the ball is headed his direction, giving himself a chance to attack the throw. Ronnie's ability to turn coverage opportunities into takeaways adds another layer to his game.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Maurice is definitely a player who has caught our eye with the way he has been playing lately. He has shown steady confidence on the defensive side of the ball and continues to find ways to impact the game. Maurice is playing with good instincts, staying around the football and making the most of his opportunities when they come his way. The consistency he has shown has made him a name worth keeping tabs on, and if he continues performing at this level, his stock should continue to rise.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Mj_S1nglet0n/status/2101914851756962060?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Bruce plays the safety position with a noticeable edge to his game. He brings energy to every snap and isn't afraid to attack the play when he sees an opportunity. Bruce can come downhill with purpose, close space quickly and make his presence known around the football. That aggressive mindset shows up in his pursuit and willingness to get involved, especially when the play breaks toward his side of the field. He's the type of safety who brings plenty of intensity to the secondary and can make the offense account for him.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/W_Bruce8/status/2103896250286236058?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Trent brings a dependable presence to the safety position, especially when it comes to finishing tackles. He does a good job tracking the ball and getting himself into position to make plays in space. Once Trent gets a shot at the ball carrier, he shows the willingness to come downhill and finish the job. His tackling ability gives him a chance to clean up plays in the open field and keep bigger gains from developing. As a safety, that reliability near the football is a trait that stands out on film.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/trentbell5_/status/2098478723146125456?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Jake brings a different dimension to the nickel spot with his ability to close space in a hurry. Once he recognizes where the play is going, he has the burst to get downhill and quickly erase separation between himself and the ball carrier or receiver. That closing speed allows him to recover when a play starts moving away from him and gives him a chance to make plays others might not reach. Jake's quick trigger and ability to cover ground make him an interesting defender to watch in the middle of the field.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">CJ continues to show growth every time he steps on the field. Each week, he looks more comfortable in the secondary and more confident in his ability to make plays. His reactions are getting quicker, and he is doing a better job recognizing what offenses are trying to do before the play fully develops. You can see the progress in his overall game, from his positioning to the way he finishes plays. CJ currently holds an offer from Sac State.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CJRogers2028/status/2100305494313193919?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Don't let Aiden's size be the first thing you focus on when watching his film. Once the ball is snapped, he shows he can compete and make plays regardless of what is around him. Aiden plays with good instincts, reacts quickly to the action and does a nice job putting himself in position to affect the play. He isn't afraid to challenge receivers or come downhill when it's time to make a tackle.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Wrd2AB/status/2102969589994778641?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Anthony has continued to take another step forward each week, and the improvement is noticeable when watching his film. He is playing with more confidence in the secondary and looks increasingly comfortable reacting to what offenses are showing him. His technique is becoming more consistent, and he is doing a better job staying involved in plays instead of being caught out of position. The biggest takeaway is the upward trajectory Anthony is gaining confidence and experience every week, and his game is starting to reflect that growth.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Neal's film shows a defensive back who is comfortable playing tight coverage and staying attached to his assignment. He does a good job matching receivers through their routes without giving up much separation, forcing quarterbacks to work for completions. Neal shows patience in coverage and stays engaged through the route, which allows him to challenge throws when the ball arrives. His ability to consistently stay within striking distance of the receiver gives him a strong foundation as a coverage defender.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Brendan_2028/status/2099160968135676149?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Camryn has a natural feel for making plays when the ball is in the air. He consistently puts himself in position to challenge throws and has the timing to get his hands on the football before the receiver can finish the play. His ability to stay attached in coverage and compete through the catch point gives him a chance to rack up pass breakups throughout the season. Camryn brings an aggressive approach in coverage and isn't content to simply run with his assignment he wants to disrupt the throw and make the quarterback pay for testing his side of the field.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CamrynParker_/status/2101739278472458611?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Takaroian stands out with the way he processes the game from the secondary. He does a good job reading what the offense is trying to create and reacts quickly when the play develops in front of him. His understanding of zone coverage allows him to stay disciplined in his assignment while still keeping an eye on where the ball is headed. When the opportunity comes to step downhill, Takaroian isn't hesitant to close the distance and make the tackle. That combination of awareness, zone discipline and willingness to get involved against the run makes him an intriguing defender to watch.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TakorianScott/status/2101366113288212532?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Tristan has a knack for finding his way to the football and staying involved throughout the play. He plays with good awareness in the secondary and does a nice job reacting when the ball comes into his area. Whether he is closing on a receiver, tracking the ball in the air or coming downhill to help finish a tackle, Tristan consistently puts himself in position to make an impact. His ability to stay around the action gives him a chance to change the outcome of a play, and that playmaking instinct is one of the traits that stands out most on film.</p>     <p>The 2028 secondary is beginning to take shape, and this group of defensive backs is giving plenty of reason to keep watching. Each player brings a different skill set, whether it's athleticism, tackling ability, instincts, or the ability to make plays around the football. There is still plenty of development ahead for this class, but the early signs are encouraging. As these players gain more experience and continue refining their games, expect more of these names to emerge and become familiar faces on the recruiting scene.</p>

The 2028 class is starting to show plenty of promise in the secondary, with a new group of defensive backs beginning to separate themselves on film. From physical defenders who are comfortable playing downhill to athletic playmakers who can cover ground and make plays on the football, this group brings a variety of skill sets to the table. With the season continuing to unfold, these are some of the 2028 DBs who are starting to turn heads and deserve a closer look.