Eli, an Ohio State commit, made his presence felt with 34 tackles and an interception, and he’s trending toward a breakout season. A hard-hitting safety, he brings a physical edge to the secondary, playing with confidence and aggression every time he steps on the field. On film, he shows a strong willingness to come downhill and meet ball carriers with force, delivering clean, impactful hits and finishing plays.

He flashes good instincts in coverage, reading the quarterback’s eyes and putting himself in position to make plays on the ball, highlighted by his interception. Eli also shows solid range and closing speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly and limit big plays. With his physicality, awareness, and developing playmaking ability, he’s a safety that can anchor a defense—and all signs point to him taking a major step forward this upcoming season.

Eli shows up on film as a technically sound defender who relies on positioning and awareness to win reps. He consistently keeps his cushion under control and does a good job staying square, which allows him to react smoothly when routes break. His tape highlights strong eye discipline, as he balances reading the quarterback while staying connected to the receiver. When the ball is thrown, Eli closes with purpose and uses timing to disrupt the catch rather than just arriving late. He’s also dependable against the run, showing smart angles and secure tackling in space. Overall, his film reflects a player who understands leverage, plays with patience, and consistently executes his role within the defense.

Eli made his presence felt in the secondary, showing great awareness and confidence throughout the game. His ability to read routes and anticipate throws allowed him to break on the ball with perfect timing. Whether in man or zone coverage, Eli stayed disciplined and physical, making it tough for receivers to find separation. He also showed a willingness to come downhill and help in run support, proving he’s more than just a cover guy. Overall, Eli continues to show why he’s a key piece in his defense’s success.

Johnson is one of the most intriguing junior safeties in the nation, boasting an incredible frame and tremendous athleticism. He excels at playing both the run and the pass, using his length and 4.4 speed to break up plays before they start. He’s a tackle machine and possesses the instincts and ball skills to disrupt pass attempts. He will be tasked with manning down the deep part of the field tonight. Johnson holds many offers from schools such as Oregon, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M.

Eli Johnson Eli Johnson 6'3" | 185 lbs | DB Steele | 2027 State TX stands at an impressive 6′3″ and around 185–200 lbs, projecting as a prototypical collegiate safety and earning four-star status in national rankings. A standout at Steele High in Cibolo, Texas, he’s become one of the most sought-after defensive backs in the 2027 class—amassing over 25 offers from top-tier programs like Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Ohio State, Oregon, Baylor, Florida State, TCU, Oregon State, SMU, UTSA, Minnesota, and more. His recent invitation and offer from Texas at the June elite camp further cement his status as a national prospect.

On the field, Johnson pairs elite athleticism with sharp instincts. Prep Redzone’s “Stock Rising Defensive Backs” evaluation highlights his rangy frame, ball-hawking skills, and technical poise in both zone and man coverage. In camp evaluations, analysts rave about his smooth transitions from backpedal to break, consistent high-pointing, and his ability to stick to receivers in tight coverage. At Steele, he’s regularly been the game-changer—shutting down targets deep while providing physical support in run defense.

What truly sets Johnson apart are his intangibles: football IQ, work ethic, and leadership. Coaches praise his film study, communication in the secondary, and physical toughness at the catch point . As a standout performer at Texas A&M’s camp, he demonstrated readiness to compete at the highest level . With his rare blend of size, athletic traits, technique, and competitive mentality, Eli Johnson Eli Johnson 6'3" | 185 lbs | DB Steele | 2027 State TX is shaping up to be not only the backbone of Steele’s secondary but also one of the premier safety prospects in the 2027 recruiting cycle.

Eli Johnson Eli Johnson 6'3" | 185 lbs | DB Steele | 2027 State TX is a true NFL-style safety in the making—versatile, instinctive, and rapidly ascending in the national recruiting ranks.

Johnson is a dynamic safety prospect with great instincts and a long, rangy frame. He plays fast and demonstrates excellent range, making him a key asset in coverage and run support. Johnson tackles well in the open field and is a reliable presence against the run.

With fluid hips and the ability to move effortlessly in space, Johnson’s skill set has made him one of the fastest-rising prospects in the 2027 class. He holds offers from UTSA, North Texas, UTEP, TCU, and Baylor, with his stock continuing to climb.