Written By: Coach Buckets @PreWarWesley
Here’s a spotlight on 20 standout defensive backs from the 2025 7v7 circuit who consistently impressed throughout the spring. These athletes excelled in man and zone coverage, high-pointing the ball, recovery speed, and ball-stripping technique. They maintained deep knee bend over waist bend, proper separation, and a coachable mindset that will translate well to Friday nights this fall.
Each brings tremendous upside and value to their high school program. College coaches—this is the time to review their HUDL film and get them on your radar.
Ramad Maurice Young
Hazelwood East HS (MO) – Class of 2027
A long, fluid, and physical corner with twitchy feet and strong man coverage skills.
Twitter: @iam_Rara6
Axton Underwood
Tampa Plant HS (FL) – Class of 2028
Advanced instincts for his age; plays the ball with timing and anticipation.
Twitter: @AxtonUnderwood
Blue Zambo
Mill Valley HS (KS) – Class of 2028
A physical presence with early hand placement and polished ball skills.
Twitter: @BlueZambo3
Cooper Cranston
Holcomb HS (KS) – Class of 2028
Highly intelligent in coverage; reacts quickly and breaks downhill with purpose.
Twitter: @CooperC_VII
Ethan Prescott
Lawrence Free State HS (KS) – Class of 2026
Versatile with excellent recovery speed and a strong understanding of route concepts.
Twitter: @EthanPres7
Nisbyc Johnson
Manhattan HS (KS) – Class of 2026
Quick feet, smooth transitions, and explosive closing speed on underneath routes.
Twitter: @humble_niz
Trashundon Neal
Liberty North HS (MO) – Class of 2026
Plays with physicality and confidence; makes life difficult for receivers off the line.
Twitter: @ToptNeal
Kaneilius Purdy
Lake Wales HS (FL) – Class of 2027
Ball-hawking defensive back with top-tier deep ball tracking ability.
Twitter: @KaneiliusPurdy
Tamar Palmer
Daingerfield HS (TX) – Class of 2027
An explosive athlete with fast reaction time and strong coverage in space.
Twitter: @iamboxzin
Jordan Lane
Tuttle HS (OK) – Class of 2027
Natural cover corner with fluid hips, great anticipation, and strong fundamentals.
Twitter: @JordanLane2027
Deori Pope
Zephyrhills HS (FL) – Class of 2026
Plays with control and urgency; makes smart reads in both man and zone coverage.
Twitter: @Deori_5
Jared Whitney
Clearwater HS (KS) – Class of 2026
Technically sound with a disciplined backpedal and sharp change of direction.
Twitter: @JaredWhitney_15
Marvion Herron
SouthEast HS (OK) – Class of 2027
Physical, aggressive, and thrives in contested catch situations.
Twitter: @Marvion_Herron
Hector Josiah Estrada
Rio Rancho HS (NM) – Class of 2025
Polished senior with a strong football IQ, fluid mechanics, and leadership on the back end.
Twitter: @JasiahEstrada07
Tyson Laster
Ardmore HS (OK) – Class of 2027
Elite athlete with top-end speed, quick feet, and physical man coverage skills.
Twitter: @Tyson_laster
Dravynn Laurent
Lubbock Monterey HS (TX) – Class of 2028
Explosive closer with excellent pursuit angles and a physical edge.
Twitter: @Dravynnlaurent
Oliver “Ollie” Smith Jr.
Union HS (OK) – Class of 2026
Smooth and savvy; changes direction effortlessly and has great feel for the game.
Twitter: @Oliversmith08
Michael McLendon
Jesuit HS (FL) – Class of 2028
Technically advanced for his age with strong hips and route awareness.
Twitter: @MikeMcLendon28
Joseph Mortensen
Manhattan HS (KS) – Class of 2027
A versatile DB with strong tackling ability, deep range, and positional awareness.
Twitter: @Mort46086Joseph
Dayton Gaius-Anyaegbu
Millard South HS (NE) – Class of 2026
Plays fast, finishes tackles, and reads the quarterback exceptionally well.
Twitter: @dayton_gaius
These defensive backs consistently separated themselves from the competition this spring. With the technical foundation, athletic upside, and mental approach to excel under the lights, they are primed for breakout seasons. College coaches should act now and dive into their HUDL tape, many of these players won’t stay under the radar for long.
