The Box Showcase featured some of the top defensive talent in Texas, with several prospects raising their stock through standout performances in coverage and one-on-one drills. Here are a few defenders who made noise:
Nyheem Richardson – DB – Class of 2026 – Almeta Crawford HS
A versatile defensive back who can line up at corner or safety, Richardson boasts a long, lean, and athletic 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame. Physical at the point of attack and technically sound, he showed fluid hips, good feet, and used his length to his advantage in tight coverage. Richardson was the runner-up for DB MVP honors and proved he’s one of the more polished DBs in the 2026 class coming out of the Houston area. He is building momentum as one of the fast rising DBs in Texas.
Terrell Stinson Jr. – DB – Class of 2028- Clear Lake Hs
One of the top young defenders in Texas, Stinson was impressive with his technique, smooth backpedal, and ability to stay glued to his assignments in pass coverage. He consistently won reps against tight ends as well as wideouts and showed off elite feet and hips. He is a name to know in the 2028 class. Offer him now.
Kosi Okpala – LB – Class of 2026 – Katy Mayde Creek HS
At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Okpala stood out with his lateral movement, instincts, and ability to cover ground in space. He excelled in 1v1 coverage against running backs, showing fluidity and control while using his length to his advantage. A national recruit with 31 offers, including Texas, Oklahoma, SMU, Houston, and TCU, Okpala backed up the hype with a dominant showing.
Carmelo Clawson – LB/EDGE – Class of 2027 – Waxahachie HS
Clawson showed why he’s gaining traction on the recruiting trail. He possesses a long, stout frame with athletic reach, quickness, and agile feet. He moved well in position drills and held his own in space. Clawson recently visited Texas A&M and holds offers from Abilene Christian and San Diego State.
Eli Kelly – DB – Class of 2027 – Legacy School of Sciences HS
Kelley flashed active hands, strong technique, and a tenacious style of play throughout the camp. He plays with clean mechanics and showcased great hips and quick feet. Kelly holds offers from Texas State, Arizona State, UTSA, Akron, San Diego State, and Oregon State.
Jordin Jones – LB – Class of 2027 – Westfield HS
Jones was one of the more impressive linebackers in drills. He has a long, lean frame with elite lateral quickness, discipline in space, and the ability to stay with backs and tight ends in coverage. He had several pass breakups and showed major upside throughout the event.
Jaylin Jones – EDGE/LB – Class of 2027 – Westfield HS
A hybrid defender, Jones showed versatility as both a stand-up linebacker and he will line up as an edge rusher in edge rusher pads. With quickness in space, strong hands, and the ability to cover in the flats, he had a solid showing in 1v1s and could project as a disruptive playmaker at the next level.
Malcolm Graham – EDGE – Class of 2026 – Fort Bend Travis HS
Graham’s 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame is long and athletic, and he moved smoothly through drills while showing the ability to flow to the football. He performed well in reps against RBs and has the frame to add good weight. Graham holds an offers Jackson State and Tennessee State.
Kelvin Becks – DB – Class of 2026 – Tomball HS
Becks stood out with his aggressive play style and coverage skills. He has good feet and hips, and effectively uses his length to disrupt receivers downfield. He was consistently physical at the line and registered several pass breakups.
Davon Smith – LB – Class of 2027 – Westfield HS
A fluid, high-IQ linebacker, Smith showcased strong footwork, patience, and a great feel for tracking the ball carrier in close quarters. He was a standout in drills, attacking under control and staying square to the ball carrier. On film, he shows thumper traits and versatility to play inside or outside linebacker. Smith has been on campus at TCU, Rice, and Baylor recently and could see his recruitment rise as he hits more camps this offseason.
