B/R CFB Recruiting 200: Top 21 Defensive Backs
After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analysts Damon Sayles, Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler 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.
With the majority of today's offenses lining up in the spread, quality cover athletes are needed in the secondary. With teams looking to score points in bunches, it's vital to have defensive backs who have the ability to be lockdown athletes in passing situations.
It's an added bonus if a cornerback can hit like a safety and a safety can cover receivers down the field like a cornerback. In today's game, there's no such thing as a one-dimensional defender.
A solid defensive back is an athlete who can shut down a run game and make an offense one-dimensional. The 2016 class has its share of outstanding cornerbacks and safeties who could help a college program instantly.
Here's our breakdown of America's top-ranked prospects at the defensive back position. Scores for cornerbacks are based on individual assessments of speed, ball skills, run support and coverage. Scores for safeties are based on individual assessments of ball skills, tackling, run support and pass coverage.
All prospects scouted by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Damon Sayles. Players are ordered by appearance in 247Sports' composite rankings.
21. 4-Star CB Jordan Parker
1 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'11", 180 lbs
High School: Pittsburg (Pittsburg, California)
247Sports Ranking: No. 15 CB; No. 157 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to Oklahoma on Oct. 3, 2015
Since The Opening, Jordan Parker has seen a steady rise in his recruiting stock. He was an important piece to the defense of the Lunarbeast squad that won the seven-on-seven national championship at The Opening.
Parker committed to Oklahoma over Pac-12 schools such as USC, UCLA and Arizona State. He was a one-time UCLA pledge.
Bleacher Report Analysis
A potential game-changer in the secondary, Parker is an athlete who enjoys taking on the challenge of covering bigger receivers. He has a competitive nature that makes him attractive to coaches, and his versatility on the field could get him early playing time at the next level.
Parker plays the game with a physical nature, particularly in short and intermediate passing situations. He has great speed and explosiveness off the snap. He uses his athleticism to outmuscle receivers at the line.
20. 4-Star CB Damar Hamlin
2 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'1", 175 lbs
High School: Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
247Sports Ranking: No. 14 CB; No. 149 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame and Pittsburgh
Looking for a cornerback who likes to deliver the big hit? Damar Hamlin earned national attention with this jarring hit in his team's state championship game in mid-December. It's that physical nature, as well as his coverage skills, that makes him a wanted athlete.
Hamlin had his moments over the summer at The Opening as well. He seemed to be in the right place at the right time for several plays. There is a reason why Hamlin has more than 30 reported offers.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hamlin brings a winner's mentality to the table. Although he isn't the fastest or most athletic, he is very cerebral and plays the game with a high IQ. He's an instinctive defender, someone who reads routes well and jumps on them with his length and mobility.
Additionally, Hamlin is a strong defender who can alter routes by bullying receivers off the line. His strength may be slightly underrated. He is aggressive from the snap, which makes him an option all over the secondary, whether it be cornerback or safety, in college.
19. 4-Star Tyler Byrd
3 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'11 ½", 194 lbs
High School: Naples (Naples, Florida)
247Sports Ranking: No. 13 CB; No. 148 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Miami on Feb. 3, 2015
Those who watched the U.S. Army All-American Bowl saw the playmaking skills of Tyler Byrd. In one half, he had a pass breakup, an interception and a blocked extra-point attempt, which he returned for a defensive 2-point conversion.
Byrd chose to play for Miami over offers from Florida, Georgia, Ole Miss, Tennessee and several other program. He is one of the longest-standing Miami commits, having pledged to the program for almost a year.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Byrd is a physical defensive back with a high ceiling. He has good vision and uses his quickness to make plays at the right time. Byrd plays with range and can quickly make a play downhill.
Byrd plays well in man coverage. He is aggressive on the field and while lining up in one-on-one settings. He does a lot of things well on the field, and with the right coaching, he'll turn into an all-conference defensive back.
18. 4-Star CB Lavert Hill
4 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'10", 172 lbs
High School: Martin Luther King (Detroit, Michigan)
247Sports Ranking: No. 12 CB; No. 140 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Michigan, Michigan State and Clemson
A one-time Penn State commit, Lavert Hill has 27 reported offers and could be something of a steal for a lucky school because of his blue-collar, do-it-all nature.
Hill originally chose Penn State over Michigan and Michigan State, and it appears as though the battle for Hill ultimately will come down to the two in-state schools.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hill was a standout at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, practically showing the same coverage skills that made him even more popular at The Opening over the summer. He plays the game much larger than his frame.
Hill can defend just as effectively in man-to-man coverage as he can in zone packages. When the ball is in the air, he's always looking to make a play.
17. 4-Star S Brandon Burton
5 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'2", 195 lbs
High School: Junipero Serra (Gardena, California)
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 S; No. 139 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering USC, UCLA, Ohio State, Florida State and Notre Dame
Junipero Serra High School produces elite talent each year, and Brandon Burton is proof of that. With nearly 20 reported offers, Burton has the state of California buzzing, as in-state rivals USC and UCLA appear to be in the driver's seat to land him.
Burton plays the game as a versatile athlete, someone who could be beneficial at the college level all over the secondary. He showed his versatility over the summer at The Opening, playing both cornerback and safety.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Burton has all 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. His physical nature is underrated, and he looks to make plays on every down.
Burton has good size, and his strength and quickness serve well as both a coverage defender and a hard-hitting safety. Additionally, Burton has great hands, which makes him a ball hawk in intermediate and long passing situations.
16. 4-Star CB Jared Mayden
6 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'1", 190 lbs
High School: Sachse (Sachse, Texas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 11 CB; No. 129 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Georgia, Oregon and Florida
The recruiting cycle is nearing its end, and Jared Mayden is an uncommitted target once again. After decommitting from Oregon on Jan. 6, Mayden can be a gifted surprise for one lucky school looking to strike gold before national signing day.
With more than 40 reported offers, Mayden is a proven cornerback who has shown himself to be fearless in multiple camp settings. His supercompetitive nature makes him an athlete to watch down the road.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Mayden is a physical cornerback who 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 with his tenacity.
Mayden is a cornerback with a safety's size and could see early playing time at both positions in college, as well as rover. His focus, however, is playing college football as a shutdown cornerback.
15. 4-Star CB Byron Murphy
7 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'10 ¾", 164 lbs
High School: Saguaro (Scottsdale, Arizona)
247Sports Ranking: No. 10 CB; No. 91 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering Arizona State, Texas A&M, Washington and USC
Since his performance at The Opening, Byron Murphy has been one to watch. He was very active at The Opening and was impressive during seven-on-seven competition. His play at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl further proved that he is an FBS-caliber athlete.
With nearly 20 reported offers, Murphy has fans wondering if he'll stay in state and play at Arizona State or if he'll follow fellow Arizona studs Kyle Allen and Christian Kirk and choose Texas A&M.
Bleacher Report Analysis
There's much to like about Murphy, but his awareness and ability to be a part of every big play may be his best assets. He has excellent field vision and loves to alter receivers' routes with solid bump-and-run coverage.
Murphy plays the game with a high motor, and he uses his instincts and change of direction to break up plays and create turnovers. Murphy also defends passing situations in attack mode, aggressively going after every ball in the air.
14. 4-Star S Lamar Jackson
8 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'3", 205 lbs
High School: Franklin (Elk Grove, California)
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 S; No. 90 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering Nebraska, Arizona State, USC, UCLA and Oregon
Nebraska is hoping to get a huge recruiting win with Lamar Jackson, an Under Armour All-American who can play multiple positions on either side of the ball. Jackson is expected to be a safety at the next level, but he's shown throughout his high school career that he can effectively line up at cornerback, quarterback and wide receiver.
USC and UCLA are hoping to keep Jackson in the state of California, and Arizona State and Oregon are hoping to keep him at least in the Pac-12 Conference. Nebraska has been a front-runner in Jackson's process, and the Cornhuskers will be looking to close the deal when it's time for him to announce.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jackson has good size and plays with a high motor and lots of athleticism. Defensively, he's a physical defender who uses his body and aggressiveness to frustrate receivers in passing situations.
Jackson reads defenses like a cornerback but can be a solid hybrid defensive back for the college he ultimately chooses because of his physicality. He's a prospect who likes to be near the ball on every down.
13. 4-Star CB Nigel Knott
9 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'11", 175 lbs
High School: Germantown (Madison, Mississippi)
247Sports Ranking: No. 9 CB; No. 70 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Oregon, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Florida State and LSU
After a couple of commitment-announcement postponements, Nigel Knott is inching closer to making a decision. He has close to 30 reported offers, and one of the schools from the state of Mississippi is hoping to keep him close to home.
Knott is one of those players who defines athleticism. He's shown his worth with speed, leaping ability and agility on and off the football field. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds and recorded a 46.5-inch vertical jump at The Opening.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Knott's an outstanding athlete who uses his quickness, change of direction and recovery speed to be a reliable shutdown defender. He is one of the nation's fastest players, and because of his speed, he rarely gets beaten deep in one-on-one situations.
Along with his coverage skills, Knott is a sound tackler. Because of his athleticism, he has the potential to score starter's minutes early in his college career.
12. 4-Star CB David Long Jr.
10 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'0", 175 lbs
High School: Loyola (Los Angeles, California)
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 CB; No. 64 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Michigan, Washington and USC
A one-time Stanford commit, David Long Jr. has 23 reported offers and is primarily down to choosing either Michigan or Washington. He visited Michigan in October and recently visited Washington.
Long was impressive during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl practices, and he gave sneak previews of the defensive athlete he can become in college. He defines versatility, as he can play multiple positions, as well as be a reliable return specialist.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Long thrives on his athleticism, but his ticket to seeing early playing time in college could be his competitiveness and confidence. He's a defender who's always looking to make the big play.
Long's great footwork and recovery speed aid his versatility. His quickness is an asset, and his ball skills as a wide receiver have made him a solid ball hawk as a cornerback.
11. 4-Star CB Chauncey Gardner
11 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'0", 194 lbs
High School: Cocoa (Cocoa, Florida)
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 CB; No. 62 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Enrolled at Florida (committed on March 14, 2015)
Before he arrived as an early enrollee at Florida, Chauncey Gardner made plays at the Under Armour All-America Game. Gators fans hope Gardner's all-star-game play parlays into all-conference potential throughout his college career.
Gardner chose Florida over offers from Alabama, Notre Dame, Florida State and others. He finished his high school career with 25 reported offers.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Gardner's versatility can become an X-factor for Florida's secondary. He has the coverage skills to play cornerback and the size to see playing time at safety if necessary. His recovery speed is an asset that could earn him starter's minutes early in his career.
Garner has a build that makes him look like a big cornerback or an undersized yet speedy outside linebacker. He plays physically against all receivers regardless of their size, and he's someone who won't back away from the challenge of lining up against SEC talent.
10. 4-Star S Nigel Warrior
12 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'0", 186 lbs
High School: Peachtree Ridge (Suwanee, Georgia)
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 S; No. 61 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Tennessee, LSU, Alabama and Georgia
The month of January will be huge for Nigel Warrior as he takes visits to LSU, Alabama and Tennessee. The son of former NFL defensive back Dale Carter, Warrior is an athlete who can line up either safety or cornerback but is more comfortable at the former.
Warrior has nearly 30 reported offers from coast to coast, and the school that lands him will get a playmaker in the secondary. Tennessee is hoping Warrior follows in his father's footsteps.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Warrior has been groomed to be a standout defensive back, someone who can play every position in the secondary. He is a safety who relies on his instincts to make plays. He rarely makes the same mistake twice.
Warrior tackles well, but he also has shown himself as a sound cover defender. He holds his own in running downs, and he's a reliable defender in passing downs.
9. 4-Star CB Shyheim Carter
13 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'0", 190 lbs
High School: Kentwood (Kentwood, Louisiana)
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 CB; No. 57 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Georgia, Alabama and Ole Miss
Remaining scheduled January visits for Shyheim Carter include trips to Alabama and Ole Miss. After decommitting from Alabama in August, Carter has been taking his time with recruiting and finalizing his college plans.
Alabama, Georgia and Ole Miss are three schools that could ultimately land Carter on national signing day. Miami, which received an official visit last weekend, also is a contender. Whichever school gets him will get an athlete who can line up at multiple positions on the field, on both sides of the ball.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Carter's strongest assets are his versatility and athleticism, as he can play cornerback or safety on defense and any of the skill positions on offense. He has quick feet and good hands, making one-on-one matchups difficult for opposing wide receivers.
Carter's competitive nature is something to be admired, and he plays with a high level of confidence. College coaches will have options when choosing where to use him in the secondary.
8. 4-Star S Deontay Anderson
14 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'1", 192 lbs
High School: Manvel (Manvel, Texas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 S, No. 50 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Uncommitted: Considering LSU, Ole Miss and Texas
With national signing day around the corner, Deontay Anderson will make Ole Miss, Texas or LSU very happy really soon. He's taking official visits to all three schools this month, but Ole Miss has to like the fact that it will be his final visit.
Anderson has 43 reported offers, and it's no secret that he's a leader in the secondary. What coaches will like is that he makes the game look a lot easier than expected.
Bleacher Report Analysis
In addition to being a good athlete with instincts, Anderson is a solid tackler and a hard hitter on the run. He has shown that he can be a quality coverage defender in one-on-one coverage, as well as a strong safety who can deliver a jarring hit that can change a game.
A player like Anderson is versatile enough to see immediate playing time as a freshman because of all the things he can do on the field. Look for him to adjust and adapt early in his college career.
7. 4-Star CB Trayvon Mullen
15 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'1", 168 lbs
High School: Coconut Creek (Pompano Beach, Florida)
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 CB; No. 40 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Florida State, LSU, Clemson, TCU and Louisville
An athlete with 47 reported offers, Trayvon Mullen had a good spring, an even better summer and a very productive fall. Mullen showed his shutdown skills in Oregon at The Opening, helping the Lunarbeast squad win the seven-on-seven national championship.
Florida State is the in-state school to watch, but LSU has been the trending school to those following Mullen's recruiting process. LSU and Clemson will receive January official visits from him.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Mullen is an athlete with quickness, recovery speed and a strong competitive nature. He relies on his instincts to make sound plays, and he makes it tough for wide receivers because of his length and tenacity.
Mullen's speed, one of his best assets, allows him to take risks as a cover cornerback. His ability to change direction makes him an intriguing prospect.
6. 4-Star S Eric Monroe
16 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'0", 180 lbs
High School: North Shore (Houston, Texas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 S; No. 34 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to LSU on June 17, 2015
LSU is getting a phenomenal player for its secondary in Eric Monroe. He's been committed to the Tigers for more than half a year, and he's not looking to make any last-minute changes in his recruiting process. Monroe chose LSU over offers from Texas A&M, Texas, Houston and Baylor, among others.
Versatility is one of Monroe's strong points. He is expected to line up at safety for LSU, but he's available to play cornerback or even outside linebacker.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Monroe's versatility arguably is his strongest asset on the field, but his athleticism also makes him an attractive get. He has a nose for the football and good closing speed as a cover defensive back.
Monroe can make things happen strictly on instinct. He doesn't make many wrong decisions, and when he chooses correctly, it often results in a game-changing situation for his team.
5. 5-Star CB Saivion Smith
17 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'1", 175 lbs
High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 CB; No. 27 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Enrolled at LSU (committed on Feb. 24, 2015)
LSU beamed with pride last February when Saivion Smith verbally committed and chose the Tigers over Florida State, Florida, Miami, Georgia, Clemson and others. Smith was a player to watch at The Opening and the Under Armour All-America Game.
From instincts to reactive quickness to overall ball skills, Smith offers much for college coaches to appreciate. He could be an all-conference athlete sooner than later.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Confidence fuels Smith, a cornerback with good size who combines physical play with good coverage skills. He is a playmaker who relies heavily on his instinctive play.
Smith's length serves as an assist in pass-breakup opportunities. He has solid recovery ability and, with his physical play, makes it difficult for receivers to get off the line.
4. 5-Star S Brandon Jones
18 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'11 ½", 193 lbs
High School: Nacogdoches (Nacogdoches, Texas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 S; No. 25 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Uncommitted: Considering Baylor, Oregon, Texas and Texas A&M
College coaches are loving watching a healthy Brandon Jones after a knee injury slowed him down his junior year. Jones proved he's not only healthy but also better than ever as an all-around defender.
With nearly 40 reported offers, Jones has focused his attention on four schools—Oregon and in-state schools Texas, Baylor and Texas A&M. Many believe the race will come down to the two rival schools, Texas and Texas A&M.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jones possesses great closing speed and lines up well in zone coverage and one-on-one passing situations. He also has great instincts, which makes him fun to watch when he makes a big hit on a beeline in both running and passing situations.
Jones plays the game with a high IQ. He is a versatile defensive back who has coverage skills like a cornerback and tackling skills like a linebacker. In short, he can be a catalyst in the secondary.
3. 4-Star CB Jack Jones
19 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'11", 164 lbs
High School: Long Beach Polytechnic (Long Beach, California)
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 CB, No. 24 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, UCLA and USC
Often considered an athlete because of his ability to play multiple positions effectively, Jack Jones showed his defensive skills at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He's got the skill set to play cornerback, wide receiver and Wildcat quarterback, as well as kickoff return and punt return.
An electric athlete, Jones has taken official visits to Arizona State, Texas A&M and, most recently, Alabama. He is expected to announce his verbal commitment on national signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jones is a terrific athlete, someone who is confident playing almost anywhere on the field. What makes him a special talent is his intensity and competitive nature. Jones is special with the ball in his hands, which makes some coaches want to play him at receiver, but his footwork and recovery speed make him someone who can compete for a starting defensive back spot early in his college career.
2. 4-Star CB Kristian Fulton
20 of 21
Height/Weight: 6'0", 177 lbs
High School: Archbishop Rummel (Metairie, Louisiana)
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 CB; No. 23 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Uncommitted: Considering LSU, Arkansas and Florida
With 26 reported offers, Kristian Fulton is a prospect many are keeping their eyes on as national signing day approaches. Fulton has upcoming official visits to Arkansas and Florida. A Louisiana athlete, Fulton also has LSU high on his list.
An Under Armour All-American, Fulton can be an impact player at the next level. He prepares for every down with the intentions of showing he's the best in the country at his position.
Bleacher Report Analysis
There's a lot to like about Fulton. He is a speedy, elusive athlete who has solid change-of-direction skills. What coaches like about him is that he's still young. He recently turned 17 years old.
Fulton does a solid job in one-on-one coverage, as he depends on his reactive quickness. Additionally, he is a good tackler in the open field. As he gets older, Fulton is expected to mature into an outstanding coverage defender.
1. 5-Star CB Levonta Taylor
21 of 21
Height/Weight: 5'11", 182 lbs
High School: Ocean Lakes (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 CB; No. 7 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Committed to Florida State on April 3, 2015
Florida State landed a big fish in the recruiting game in Levonta Taylor, as he chose the Seminoles over offers from Florida, Auburn, Ohio State, Georgia, USC and others, including in-state favorite Virginia. Taylor is the Seminoles' highest-ranked commit.
Any time an athlete can get a ringing endorsement from one of the greatest to play the position in Deion Sanders, that makes for a great compliment. Taylor has the goods to be special at the next level.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Watching Taylor on the field, at times, is like watching an instructional video, because he plays the cornerback position the way it should be played. He's fast and athletic and makes passing situations difficult for receivers with his recovery speed.
In addition to his coverage skills, Taylor is a solid tackler. He plays the game with the mindset of a college athlete. Taylor will see early playing time at Florida State and could be a starter quickly in his career.
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