Makai Blackstone Makai Blackstone 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Steinert | 2027 State NJ is a defensive back who consistently plays bigger than his listed size. At 6’0”, 170 pounds, he brings a physical presence that immediately shows up on tape.

First and foremost, Blackstone profiles best as a box safety. He’s an explosive downhill athlete with strong straight-line speed and the ability to out-athlete most defenders he faces. While his change of direction is still developing, his burst, range, and closing speed allow him to make plays near the line of scrimmage.

In addition, he plays the ball well. His hustle and effort are constant, and he finishes plays with urgency. Those traits, combined with his athleticism, give him real value on early downs and in physical matchups.

Moreover, his versatility adds intrigue. Blackstone can rotate between box safety and deeper alignments, and he shows enough range to handle one-high responsibilities when needed. That flexibility raises his ceiling moving forward.

Although he doesn’t currently hold a Division I offer, this season feels pivotal. With his athletic profile and physical style, Blackstone has the tools to earn one. As a result, he’s a defensive back worth watching closely as the year unfolds.

Part of Steinert’s strong season last fall coincides with the the emergent play of Makai Blackstone Makai Blackstone 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Steinert | 2027 State NJ . As a safety, we see Blackstone stay in his backpedal as he reads the quarterback, only breaking when the quarterback indicates where he is going with the ball. This, however, does not take away from the belief that he should be early to the pass and late to the run. A low tackler who raps well makes him a strong run supporter in the alley – although I would encourage him to not tive up his feet. Seeing toss is one of his strong suits, as Blackstone absolutely flies up to take that play away. Should he over-commit or read incorrectly, Blackstone has shown recovery speed and aggression to make up for it. Lastly, he delivers his body through the man to dislodge the ball when covering.