CFB Recruiting 200: Top 23 Defensive Backs in Class of 2016
After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analysts Damon Sayles, Sanjay Kirpalani andTyler Donohue have graded the top 200 players in the 247Sports composite rankings and provided in-depth analysis on each young athlete. Bleacher Report will run a position-by-position breakdown series of the best college football recruits in the class of 2016. Here we present the Top Defensive Backs.
Other Positions
Of all the athletes on the football field, defensive backs—elite defensive backs—seem to be the ones most in demand.
With spread offenses becoming more and more the norm, good defensive backs are needed to cover not only deep routes but also the routes run by flex tight ends and hybrid running backs. It's imperative for a defensive back to be solid on passing downs as well as sturdy and aggressive on running plays.
Bleacher Report's CFB Recruiting 200 series breaks down the top defensive backs—cornerbacks and safeties combined—in the 2016 class. They are graded on key factors such as speed, ball skills, tackling, run support and pass coverage.
All analysis provided by B/R National Recruiting Analyst Damon Sayles. All player rankings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite rankings.
23. 4-Star CB Joejuan Williams
1 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'2", 195 pounds
High School: Hendersonville High School; Hendersonville, Tennessee
247Sports Ranking: No. 16 cornerback; No. 189 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Uncommitted: Considering Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn and LSU
The first thing many notice about Joejuan Williams is his size. He's a big defensive back who could transition to a few different positions at the next level.
Wherever he lines up, know that he's a playmaker. He showed his worth at The Opening, breaking up passes and recording interceptions. With more than 30 offers, Williams is an athlete who is expected to be a standout sooner than later.
The in-state favorite, Tennessee, is a school to keep an eye on for Williams' services. He also has offers from Auburn, LSU, Alabama and Ole Miss, among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Whether Williams is used as a cornerback, a safety or an outside linebacker in college, expect him to be effective. His hands, speed and ability to cover make him a strong candidate to be a big cornerback, but his versatility and awareness classify him as a safety.
Williams is an aggressive defender who can compete against receivers big and small in one-on-one situations. He's able to bully most receivers because of his size. Williams also plays with a motor that coaches admire.
22. 4-Star CB Travon Fuller
2 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'1", 170 pounds
High School: Athens High School; Athens, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 15 cornerback; No. 162 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to Texas A&M on Aug. 1, 2014
As Texas A&M's top-ranked commit, Travon Fuller is an athlete who can do quite a few things on the football field.
In addition to playing cornerback, Fuller may also see time at wide receiver and be effective. He can also be a reliable return specialist on special teams. Playing on defense, however, seems to be the best choice for Fuller, who had 54 tackles and seven interceptions as a junior.
He is a solid Texas A&M commit, but schools like Texas and Stanford are looking to flip him. He committed to the Aggies on August 1, 2014.
Bleacher Report Analysis
The versatility Fuller brings to the table is his biggest asset. He can be used in a variety of ways, but as a defender, he will benefit the Aggies because of his height, length and ability to read routes. He is very instinctive and has excellent hands.
Fuller is the prototypical ball hawk. In two varsity seasons, he's collected 14 interceptions. Fuller can help a Texas A&M ballclub that is always looking for playmakers in the secondary.
21. 4-Star CB Jordan Parker
3 of 23
Height/Weight: 5'11", 180 pounds
High School: Pittsburg High School; Pittsburg, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 14 cornerback; No. 152 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering Arizona State, Oklahoma and USC
As unhappy as UCLA fans were when Jordan Parker decommitted July 15, college coaches from other schools were pleased to hear he was back on the market.
Parker can be a game-changer in the secondary at the next level. He showed his worth at The Opening, playing for Lunarbeast, which won the seven-on-seven national championship.
Keep an eye on USC, Oklahoma and Arizona State, three schools that are in play to land Parker in time for national signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Parker is a physical cornerback who covers very well in short-route situations. He likes to bully receivers off the line, and he uses his athleticism to be disruptive on plays from start to finish. He also has great speed and explosiveness off the snap.
Parker is an athlete who likes the challenge of covering bigger receivers. His competitive nature, coupled with his overall versatility, will make him a player to watch at the next level.
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20. 4-Star CB Damar Hamlin
4 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'1", 175 pounds
High School: Central Catholic High School; Pittsburgh
247Sports Ranking: No. 13 cornerback; No. 144 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State and Pittsburgh
The Opening allowed the public to get reacquainted with some of the best players around. Damar Hamlin is one who was talked about after the conclusion of the event.
Hamlin seemed to be in the right place at the right time for several plays in Oregon. It's exactly what college coaches want in a cornerback prospect, which is why Hamlin has more than 30 offers.
Hamlin finished his junior year with 45 tackles and four interceptions. Penn State, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Pittsburgh are among the schools Hamlin has high on his list.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hamlin is a cerebral player. He isn't the fastest or most athletic, but he uses his length, mobility and strength to frustrate receivers and break up plays. He's an instinctive defender, someone who reads routes well and jumps on them.
Hamlin's strength may be slightly underrated. He threw the power ball 39.5 feet at The Opening. He does a good job of jumping routes and being aggressive. Because of his football IQ, he could see time at either cornerback or safety in college.
19. 4-Star CB Jared Mayden
5 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'0", 190 pounds
High School: Sachse High School; Sachse, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 12 cornerback; No. 135 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to Oregon on July 9, 2015
Jared Mayden entered The Opening with 45 offers. He's been a wanted target for quite some time.
After announcing a top seven on his birthday, June 24, Mayden verbally committed to Oregon during his time at The Opening. In turn, Oregon is getting a cornerback who has shown himself in multiple camp settings to be a super-competitive athlete.
Mayden chose the Ducks over offers from Ohio State, Alabama, Florida State and others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Mayden is a cornerback with a safety's size, and although his preference is to be a shutdown corner, he has the football IQ to effectively play both positions at the next level.
Mayden is physical and uses his athleticism and instincts to make plays all over the field. He is a solid bump-and-run defender, and he wins a lot of one-on-one battles because of his tenacious play.
18. 4-Star CB John Broussard
6 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'0", 164 pounds
High School: Central High School; Phenix City, Alabama
247Sports Ranking: No. 11 cornerback; No. 134 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to Auburn on May 7, 2015
John Broussard committed to Auburn on May 7, and he recently announced that he was "100 percent" with his pledge.
That's great news for Auburn fans, as Broussard is expected to be a big-time standout in the secondary. Broussard is the Tigers' top-ranked incoming defensive player.
Broussard has 17 reported offers, per 247Sports, and while Auburn is his school of choice, programs like Mississippi State and LSU are still in touch.
Bleacher Report Analysis
High expectations are on Broussard, a cornerback who plays with a high level of energy. He frustrates opponents with his ability to mirror receivers, and he possesses the ability to change direction effectively.
Broussard uses his reactive quickness to assist with pass breakups. He may not be the biggest cornerback, but he likes to get physical with receivers as well.
17. 4-Star S Shurod Thompson
7 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'1", 185 pounds
High School: Liberty High School; Brentwood, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 safety; No. 132 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Uncommitted: Considering Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State and UCLA
Shurod Thompson recently became a recruiting free agent again. Now the big question involves where he'll end up.
A former Cal commit, Thompson once again is entertaining offers. Oklahoma is considered a team to watch, but nothing is expected to be set in stone until he takes some official visits.
UCLA, Oregon State and Arizona State are three schools on his list. Thompson also likes LSU, and while he doesn't have an offer, he's been in contact with the Tigers coaching staff.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Thompson is a physical defensive back who is a solid tackler. He has good vision and happens to be in the right place at the right time. He plays with range and can quickly make a play downhill.
Thompson's aggression might be his best quality on the field, but he is also someone who relies on his athleticism. Zone-coverage packages seem to be his comfort level, and he could end up being a major contributor as a nickelback.
16. 4-Star S Brandon Burton
8 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'2", 195 pounds
High School: Junipero Serra High School; Gardena, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 safety; No. 131 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Cal, Florida State, UCLA and USC
The versatility Brandon Burton brings to the table is welcome at almost every college. In addition to playing in the secondary, Burton is an equally talented wide receiver. He saw time at both spots at The Opening.
Junipero Serra High School produces elite talent, and he is one of the next big recruits in line. He has 19 offers, per 247Sports, and some expect his recruiting battle to come down to in-state rivals USC and UCLA.
Cal, Florida State and Alabama are three other schools to keep an eye on.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Burton has good size, which will serve him well on both sides of the football. He has strength and quickness, and he is a solid coverage defender as a safety.
Physically, Burton has the tools to be an immediate impact player in a college secondary. He's an athlete who can cover and also make the big hit.
15. 4-Star CB Lavert Hill
9 of 23
Height/Weight: 5'10", 166 pounds
High School: Martin Luther King High School; Detroit
247Sports Ranking: No. 10 cornerback; No. 113 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Penn State on Jan. 31, 2015
Lavert Hill is the type of player Penn State head coach James Franklin loves to recruit. He's the blue-collar guy who will do everything on the field. Nothing is out of his element.
Hill committed to Penn State at the end of January, and the Nittany Lions are getting a player who loves to play the game and learn from the best. He can be an all-conference player early in his college career.
Hill has 20 reported offers, according to 247Sports. He chose Penn State over in-state schools Michigan and Michigan State, among others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hill isn't a big guy, but he plays larger than his size. He can defend just as effectively in man-to-man coverage as he can in a zone. When the ball is in the air, he's making a play, and he refuses to lose.
Hill uses his athleticism to overcome his size. He ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and also threw the power ball 38 feet at The Opening. He has competitive speed and strength, and when it comes to one-on-one situations, Hill has great footwork and closing speed.
14. 4-Star CB Byron Murphy
10 of 23
Height/Weight: 5'11", 160 pounds
High School: Saguaro High School; Scottsdale, Arizona
247Sports Ranking: No. 9 cornerback; No. 105 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering Arizona, Arizona State, Texas A&M and Washington
The Opening was a good experience for Byron Murphy. He made a few plays that solidified the fact he's one of the nation's best cornerbacks.
With nearly 20 offers reported, Murphy is keeping all of his options open. In-state schools Arizona and Arizona State have offered, but playing out of state isn't something he's ruled out.
Washington, USC, UCLA and Texas A&M are four schools that could land Murphy.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Murphy is a high-motor player who has a knack for making a big play at the right time. His change of direction is solid, and he stays in plays with his recovery speed. When the ball is in the air, he goes into attack mode.
Murphy's awareness may be his best asset. He has good vision and recognizes routes well. He uses his instincts to break up plays and create turnovers.
13. 4-Star CB Chauncey Gardner
11 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'0", 194 pounds
High School: Cocoa High School; Cocoa, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 cornerback; No. 104 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to Florida on March 14, 2015
Florida fans are excited about the potential of Chauncey Gardner. The hard part now is keeping him committed.
Gardner showed his skills as a do-it-all defensive back at The Opening. His junior year on the field was highlighted by 49 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions. He committed to Florida in March.
Per Hank South of 247Sports, Gardner is planning official visits to Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, Penn State and Florida. He will also take in Ohio State. Keeping an athlete like Gardner committed is a high priority for the Gators.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Gardner is a disciplined defensive back who can be a big cornerback with linebacker strength in college. His physical nature on the field meshes well with the finesse he uses in making plays when the ball is in the air.
Some have asked whether Gardner grades out better as a cornerback or as a safety. He's versatile enough to play both positions but may be best suited at cornerback because of his ability to run with receivers.
12. 4-Star S Lamar Jackson
12 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'3", 205 pounds
High School: Franklin High School; Elk Grove, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 safety; No. 91 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Michigan, Notre Dame, UCLA and USC
Lamar Jackson is the guy receivers hate to see out of the corner of their eyes. He hits like a linebacker and covers like a cornerback.
At The Opening, Jackson showed he belonged in the conversation of the top defensive backs. He was a playmaker in seven-on-seven action, and he played with a high level of intensity. He has nearly 20 offers for a reason.
Jackson has USC, UCLA and Notre Dame high on his list of schools. Oregon and Michigan are two schools, however, to keep an eye on.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Physically, Jackson is a big, versatile athlete with a high motor. He can play multiple positions on the field effectively, but the way he reads defenses makes him a candidate for safety at the next level.
Jackson is active and, because of his aggressiveness, can be a hybrid defensive back at the next level. He's long enough to contain receivers in passing situations, and he can also make plays downhill in running situations.
11. 4-Star CB David Long Jr.
13 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'0", 175 pounds
High School: Loyola High School; Los Angeles
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 cornerback; No. 68 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Michigan, Stanford, USC and Washington
The recruiting battle for David Long Jr. is one to watch. Watching Long perform, it's easy to see why the battle is so deep.
Stanford and Washington are two schools competing for Long's services. USC and Michigan are also contenders for Long, who has 23 offers, according to 247Sports.
Long defines versatility, as he can play cornerback, wide receiver and, in the right system, outside linebacker. He also has the skill set to be a return specialist.
Bleacher Report Analysis
An agile and athletic player, Long has great footwork and good makeup speed, which will help him in one-on-one situations. He moves well and can hold his side of the field. Long's quickness is an asset, and his ball skills as a wide receiver will be beneficial on the other side of the ball.
Long has the talent to play both sides of the ball, but his ticket to playing time at the next level may be at cornerback, primarily because of his competitiveness and confidence. He's always looking to make the big play.
10. 4-Star CB Nigel Knott
14 of 23
Height/Weight: 5'11", 175 pounds
High School: Germantown High School; Madison, Mississippi
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 cornerback; No. 71 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Florida State, Ole Miss and Oregon
Nigel Knott defines athleticism. Whether it's in a footrace or a jumping competition, Knott is one of the best athletes in the 2016 class.
At The Opening, Knott ran the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds, vertical-jumped 46.5 inches, completed the 20-yard shuttle in less than four seconds and nearly threw the power ball 40 feet. On the football field last year, Knott had 112 tackles, 16 pass breakups and four interceptions.
Knott has 25 reported offers, per 247Sports. Among the schools showing interest are Oregon, Alabama, Florida State, USC and the two in-state schools, Ole Miss and Mississippi State. His father, David Knott, played defensive back at Ole Miss, and his sister, Deja Givens, is a high-jumper at Mississippi State.
Bleacher Report Analysis
In short, Knott's a playmaker, and his athleticism makes him a very wanted man. His blazing speed, leaping ability and overall instincts make him a reliable shutdown defender. His recovery speed keeps him in quite a few plays.
Knott, additionally, is a great tackler. He's a reliable finisher on run plays, and he plays larger than his frame. He has the potential to be an impact player early in his college career.
9. 4-Star S Nigel Warrior
15 of 23
Height/Weight: 5'11", 188 pounds
High School: Peachtree Ridge High School; Suwanee, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 safety; No. 65 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee
As the son of a former NFL defensive back, Nigel Warrior has all the tools a program would want in a versatile safety.
Warrior is a dynamic athlete who can play either safety or cornerback, but he is more comfortable at safety. His versatility reminds many of his father, Dale Carter.
Warrior has nearly 30 offers and has Georgia and Tennessee high on his list. Carter was a standout at Tennessee during his college days.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Warrior is a safety who relies on his instincts to make plays. He has a high football IQ, and he rarely makes the same mistake twice.
Warrior is a solid tackler, but he also does a solid job of covering receivers and tight ends in passing situations. He draws comparisons to his father, who was a versatile member of the Volunteers secondary when he played.
8. 4-Star CB Shyheim Carter
16 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'0", 190 pounds
High School: Kentwood High School; Kentwood, Louisiana
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 cornerback; No. 49 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to Alabama on July 15, 2014
For more than a year, Shyheim Carter has been committed to Alabama. The big question is this: Can the Crimson Tide keep him committed?
The stud cornerback made it out to camps at Ole Miss and LSU last month, according to 247Sports, but he also went to an Alabama camp at the end of May.
Whichever school lands Carter will get an outstanding athlete, someone who can play multiple positions at the next level but will probably settle in at cornerback—most likely in the SEC.
Bleacher Report Analysis
As Carter focuses on the defensive side of the ball, his ball-hawking skills are among his most notable. He has quick feet and quick hands, making one-on-one matchups difficult for opposing wide receivers.
Carter's strongest assets on the football field are his versatility and athleticism, making him effective on both sides of the ball. Additionally, he's a competitive athlete who plays each snap with a high level of intensity.
7. 4-Star S Deontay Anderson
17 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'1", 192 pounds
High School: Manvel High School; Manvel, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 safety; No. 44 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Texas
Players like Deontay Anderson make the game look easy. He doesn't appear to be working hard on the field, but his end-of-game stats say otherwise.
In three varsity seasons, Anderson has accounted for 184 tackles, 18 pass breakups and four interceptions as a safety. As he prepares for his senior year, he has 43 reported offers, per 247Sports, and he doesn't plan on committing until national signing day.
Alabama and Ole Miss are schools to watch for Anderson, as are LSU, Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor and a host of other programs.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Anderson is a chameleon on the football field. He is athletic in passing situations and physical during run plays. He can be a quality coverage defender, or he can deliver the big hit going downhill.
Because of his athleticism, Anderson can hold his own with his one-on-one coverage skills. He also has great closing speed, which will aid him against speedy receivers at the next level.
6. 4-Star CB Kristian Fulton
18 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'0", 177 pounds
High School: Archbishop Rummel High School; Metairie, Louisiana
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 cornerback; No. 39 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Uncommitted: Considering Arkansas, LSU, Ole Miss and Texas A&M
With 24 offers on the table, Kristian Fulton plays every down with the intentions of showing he's the best in the country at his position.
LSU is hoping to keep Fulton in the state of Louisiana, but there are a few schools in the race for his services. Fulton visited Texas A&M last month, and he's looking to make a return trip to Arkansas very soon.
LSU is believed to be the team to beat. All of the predictions on Fulton's 247Sports Crystal Ball point to the Tigers.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Fulton may be more quick than he is fast, and he uses his instincts to jump routes and make game-changing plays. He has great recovery speed and relies on his ability to change direction to stay with wide receivers, step for step.
Here's what's interesting about Fulton: He's still only 16 years old. As one of the younger players of the class, he's shown that he has great feet and does a solid job in one-on-one coverage.
5. 4-Star CB Trayvon Mullen
19 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'1 ½", 172 pounds
High School: Coconut Creek High School; Pompano Beach, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 cornerback; No. 37 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Uncommitted: Considering Florida State, LSU, Ohio State and Oregon
Trayvon Mullen used The Opening as an avenue to show just how good he can be at the next level.
Mullen was a true shutdown cornerback and helped the Lunarbeast seven-on-seven team win the national championship. He made plays in the secondary that showed why he has 46 reported offers.
He has a few schools on his list, but on July 2, he announced via Twitter that he's looking at Florida State, Oregon, TCU, Ohio State and LSU for official visits.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Mullen is a streamlined defender who uses his length to break up passes. His quickness and ability to change direction make him an intriguing prospect.
He has great speed, which allows him to take risks as a cover cornerback. If a coach is looking to play a more athletic secondary, Mullen could line up at safety effectively.
4. 4-Star S Eric Monroe
20 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'0", 180 pounds
High School: North Shore High School; Houston
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 safety; No. 31 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to LSU on June 17, 2015
Need a multifaceted player on defense? Eric Monroe can be that guy.
Monroe, who committed to LSU on June 17, is expected to line up at safety for the Tigers. However, if needed, he can line up at outside linebacker or nickelback and also play cornerback. It's that versatility that made head coach Les Miles and his staff pursue Monroe.
Monroe is a strong LSU commit. Texas and Texas A&M are still schools to watch before national signing day, but it'll take a lot for Monroe to flip.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Monroe can make plays strictly on instinct. He doesn't make many wrong decisions, and when he chooses correctly, it often results in a very big play for his team.
Monroe's athleticism is arguably his strongest asset, but his versatility makes him an attractive get. He has a nose for the football and good closing speed as a defensive back.
3. 5-Star S Brandon Jones
21 of 23
Height/Weight: 5'11 ½", 193 pounds
High School: Nacogdoches High School; Nacogdoches, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 safety; No. 23 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Uncommitted: Considering Baylor, Oregon, Texas and Texas A&M
What's better than Brandon Jones? A healthy Brandon Jones. After suffering a knee injury early last season, Jones is not only back but also stronger and faster than ever.
Before Jones was hurt, he tallied 30 tackles in five games as a junior. As a sophomore, he had 95 tackles, eight pass breakups and five interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Jones has 38 offers and hasn't officially announced a top five yet. However, he said at The Opening that in-state schools Texas and Texas A&M ultimately will make the cut, as will Oregon.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jones is the quintessential hybrid defensive back wanted by multiple college coaches. He is being recruited as a safety and tackles well, but he also covers as well as many star cornerbacks.
Jones possesses excellent speed, good hands and an ability to make plays in zone coverage and one-on-one passing situations. He has great instincts and closing speed. Additionally, Jones plays the game with a high IQ.
2. 5-Star CB Saivion Smith
22 of 23
Height/Weight: 6'1", 175 pounds
High School: IMG Academy; Bradenton, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 cornerback; No. 12 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Committed to LSU on Feb. 24, 2015
Saivion Smith has all the physical tools a college coach would want in a defensive back. He has the size, the speed and the confidence.
Few quarterbacks dared to test Smith in the air last season, and when they did, they were disappointed. Smith had five interceptions and four fumble recoveries to go along with 67 tackles as a junior.
Smith made LSU very happy in February when he committed to the Tigers over Florida State, Florida, Miami, Georgia, Clemson and a few other schools.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Smith is a good-sized cornerback who combines physical play with solid coverage skills. His length assists him in pass-breakup opportunities.
Smith is a playmaker who relies heavily on his instincts. If he gets beat, he has solid recovery ability. It's rare to see him get beaten in one-on-one occasions.
1. 5-Star CB Levonta Taylor
23 of 23Height/Weight: 5'11", 182 pounds
High School: Ocean Lakes High School; Virginia Beach, Virginia
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 cornerback; No. 6 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Committed to Florida State on April 3, 2015
When it comes to cover cornerbacks, Levonta Taylor showed at The Opening that he is a blueprint for the class.
Taylor was impressive throughout the weeklong event in Oregon, and with his athleticism alone, he showed why he's such a targeted commit. Taylor has more than 30 offers, but he is solid with his commitment to Florida State.
Taylor chose the Seminoles over offers from Florida, Auburn, Ohio State, Georgia, USC and others, including in-state favorite Virginia.
Bleacher Report Analysis
There's a lot to like about Taylor. For starters, he's an extremely fast athlete, and he can jump out of the building. His athleticism allows him to show off excellent recovery speed in passing situations as well.
What makes Taylor such a great defensive back prospect is that he's also a solid tackler. He plays the game with the mindset of a college athlete. He is ready for next-level competition.
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