6’2, 195, 3.8 GPA. One of the more versatile DBs in this range with legit physicality. Can play in the box, can handle safety work, even flashes linebacker traits at the high school level. Tough player who consistently shows up in run support. Multiple all-conference honors back up the evaluation. Five-minute junior tape shows a wide range of reps. If he can prove long speed, FCS schools will push hard. Already close to that tier in my eyes. High-end D2 with a real FCS ceiling, one of my favorites in this group.

Tyler Baleno Tyler Baleno 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Plum | 2027 State PA is a talented defensive back who is versatile as a defender. His ability to play multiple positions is impressive. He played as a strong safety, free safety, and as a cornerback last season. At all 3 positions, he does a good job in coverage and in run support. The best part of his game is his closing speed. His ability to see the ball and then close on the receiver for the pass breakup is excellent. He understands angles well and how to anticipate where the ball is going to be thrown. He also plays in space well and knows how to read when it is a run and come upfield to make the tackle. Baleno has the skills to be even better going forward.

Baleno is one of the more technically polished defensive backs in the class. His sophomore tape showed a smooth pedal, disciplined footwork, and length that makes life tough for receivers at the line of scrimmage. This season, he’s added muscle to his frame and shown he can be impactful at multiple spots, including reps at safety early in the year. At corner, he mirrors routes well in man coverage and has the patience to stay in phase, while at safety he’s flashed instincts in reading plays and reacting quickly.  Still waiting for his first offer, Baleno has competed well against top talent and held his own. He absolutely deserves to be in the conversation with the top tier defensive backs in the class of 2027.

Tyler Baleno Tyler Baleno 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Plum | 2027 State PA is Mr. Technique as he has some of the best defensive back techniques I have seen in a while. He does a great job in his stance and the way he backpedals from that stance. He also does a nice job of reading the play and then making the proper read on when and where the ball is being thrown. Then he shows good closing speed by breaking on passes thrown in his direction. Lastly, Baleno is a good tackler who tackles well in the open field. Baleno is a top-flight cornerback in the 2027 class.

17. Tyler Baleno Tyler Baleno 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Plum | 2027 State PA

Another 412Elite safety mentioned on this list, this being Plum’s Tyler Baleno Tyler Baleno 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Plum | 2027 State PA , who was the safety opposite Lawrence Timmons Lawrence Timmons 5'11" | 185 lbs | DB Pine-Richland | 2026 State PA on the Championship winning squad. A huge second day solidified Baleno’s spot on this list.

Baleno came up with a huge red zone interception in a playoff game with me glued to his post-snap movements. Baleno would then record several PBUs in the Championship game, with AIT electing to target anyone but Timmons and company. Baleno came through and proved he was far from a weak link on this defense. Interested in knowing if I have Baleno ranked too low on our lists. He proved a lot this past weekend.