2029 Disruptive Defensive Backs : 11 Early DBs to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p id="block-32896c7d-e14b-42fd-9249-e04a7ae8bf4f"><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2029 Watch List has debuted with 125 freshmen prospects to know early on in West Virginia. Plenty more athletes will emerge and make their names known in the future, but here are the top DB names on our radar after their freshmen seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716375"],"_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-69835b2a9b7ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the early top defensive back prospects in the 2029 class is Cabell Midland's [player_tooltip player_id='1716375' first='Zavion' last='Beckett']. He earned All-MSAC honors as a freshman for the Knights and showed early signs of developing into a top DB in 2029. Beckett is an effective tackler in space and does a nice job of breaking down and making a play in the open field as a young player. His effort and hustle also showed up on film when pursuing the ball, even if the play was to the opposite side of the field. We'd like to see more film of Beckett in coverage to better judge his ability in that facet, but he's shown early upside in year one to follow closely moving forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/27077437/68f03328a178211bc800af00' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69835b2a9bb13"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716428"],"_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-69835b2a9bb69"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hurricane has another young Sack brother emerging in the 2029 class with ATH/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1716428' first='Cael' last='Sack'], a freshman already gaining valuable varsity experience. Following in the footsteps of his older brother Keegan, who had a standout career before moving on to Air Force, Cael is carving out his own path with a different athletic profile. His 6'3, 175-pound frame gives him intriguing length for the defensive back position, and early reps on Friday nights should accelerate his growth. With his size, movement skills, and exposure at the varsity level, Sack projects as a high-upside DB prospect whose best football is still ahead of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/24904871/68fd1d28dc281c6f33a6f61d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69835b2a9bb90"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1652925"],"_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-69835b2a9bbd5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Riverside has another freshman making an early impression on the varsity level in 2029 WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1652925' first='Cedric' last='Coping'], a high-upside athlete who projects as a foundational piece for the Warriors moving forward. Coping has already shown the ability to handle single-high safety responsibilities, using his range and athleticism to patrol the deep part of the field. He closes quickly on the football and plays with confidence beyond his years, allowing him to be productive early in his high school career. With his instincts and movement skills, Coping profiles as a defensive back who should continue to take significant steps as he matures.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18359540/69062d96735a9c4a56792c09' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69835b2a9bbf7"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1705402"],"_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-69835b2a9bc3a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2029 Spring Mills DB/WR [player_tooltip player_id='1705402' first='Demari' last='Williams'] caught our eye on film as a JV player for the Cardinals. He'll likely earn varsity playing time as a sophomore after some graduation losses, and Williams has shown the early ability to make an immediate impact if his name is called upon next season. He has two-way potential and upside as a WR and DB, and could end up being a prospect at either position. Williams is an intriguing young athlete who has shown promising athleticism as a freshman that should translate well moving forward as he develops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Demariw5299/status/1982138493766639875","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Demariw5299/status/1982138493766639875 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1957200"],"_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-69835b2a9bc84"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There are just a few highlights available of 2029 Huntington DB Khren Chandler's freshman season, but he'll be a top name to know in this class moving forward. He's a rangy athlete with good early length who could develop into a corner or safety over time as his body transforms as he gets older. Once we get some more film of Chandler, we'll better learn his upside and potential as a player, but keep a close eye on him over the next three years to emerge on varsity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/KhyrenChandler/status/1979005532011635155","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KhyrenChandler/status/1979005532011635155 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2111873"],"_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-69835b2a9bccd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of many promising young 2029 prospects for the Capital Cougars to know in this class is DB [player_tooltip player_id='2111873' first='Mizaiah' last='Harris']. He did a nice job on their JV team this season and flashed some upside and potential as a young defensive back. Harris will need to develop physically, but he has shown early athletic traits on film that should enable him to become a future varsity starter in time. He covers ground quickly and does a nice job of tracking and pursuing the ball when he needs to leave his coverage assignment. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/25791422/69195888dc5adf429deefdd4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69835b2a9bcee"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1971732"],"_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-69835b2a9bd2f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">St. Marys has found a cornerstone in the secondary with 2029 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1971732' first='Ethan' last='Pierce'], who has made an immediate impact during his freshman campaign. Pierce has been consistently around the football, racking up numerous pass breakups and adding an interception while also contributing as a ball carrier when called upon on offense. His 6'1, 185-pound frame gives him ideal early size for a young defensive back, and he pairs it with the athleticism to handle multiple roles in the secondary. With his productivity and physical profile, Pierce projects as a long-term difference-maker for the Blue Devils and a name to monitor closely in the 2029 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/27192023/6919699c750b306810855996' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69835b2a9bd4f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1968391"],"_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-69835b2a9bd90"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Buffalo continues to see early returns from its 2029 class with WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1968391' first='Jacob' last='Cossin'], a freshman already contributing on Friday nights for the Bison. Cossin brings speed and quickness to the secondary and plays with confidence well beyond his experience level. He isn't hesitant to challenge receivers at the catch point and shows the closing burst needed to make plays on the football. As his frame and overall game continue to develop, Cossin projects as a rising defensive back and a potential future standout in Buffalo's program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/27135488/692f8d22cc386d23796131a6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69835b2a9bdb0"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER DBs TO KNOW WITHOUT FILM</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2112873' first='Brooks' last='Taylor'] (Morgantown)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2055027' first='Zeke' last='Ryan'] (Morgantown)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2079515' first='Dylan' last='Hutchinson'] (Wirt County)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->