B/R Recruiting CFB 200: Top Defensive Backs of 2017 Class
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 2017. Here we present the Top Defensive Backs.
The evolution of spread offenses designed to stretch defenses vertically and horizontally places an all-time-high value on versatility in the defensive backfield across college football. Strong secondary play creates pass-rush opportunities and greatly increases turnover opportunities that can alter the complexion of a contest.
Cornerbacks and safeties alike are challenged to defend an expansive array of opponents, from receivers and tight ends built like basketball forwards to diminutive and slippery speedsters. They're also called upon to prevent explosive gains on the ground by supplying run support in the box and along perimeter terrain.
Led by coveted 5-star Jeffrey Okudah—who serves as a prime example of a diverse defender—this group of prospects accounts for more than 20 percent of the entire B/R CFB Recruiting 200 series.
Our latest positional foray focuses on these safeties and cornerbacks, each assessed based on a criteria of pass coverage, run support, tackling skills, speed and ball skills.
Player order and star ratings based on 247Sports' composite rankings through July 26. Unless otherwise noted, player stats are courtesy of 247Sports.
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43. 4-Star S Montaric Brown, Ashdown High School (Ashdown, Arkansas)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU and Oklahoma State
Brown checks boxes in every department you search through at safety, displaying exceptional reaction time against efforts on the ground and through the air alike. His angles of pursuit are on point, and he competes with a level of aggression that seemingly overwhelms prep-level opponents. Brown's commanding junior campaign included 123 tackles and five interceptions (three returned for touchdowns, according to Richard Davenport of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette).
42. 4-Star CB Brad Stewart, McDonogh 35 High School (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Florida, LSU and Mississippi State
Standing 6'0", 194 pounds, Stewart already presents college-ready stature. A versatile prospect who can line up at safety, corner or nickel, he covers receivers with a mean streak and seems to view completions as a personal insult. His initial punch knocks opponents off their mark, and he doesn't make it easy for them to recover during the course of a route. A vicious hitter, Stewart sends a message with authoritative run support.
41. 4-Star CB LeAnthony Williams Jr., Roswell High School (Roswell, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Clemson
The Tigers add another lengthy cornerback who plays physical at the line of scrimmage and excels in run support. Williams is a burgeoning tackler in open space and should be able to stick several ball-carriers near the line of scrimmage during college. Ball recognition on deep passes will be a point of emphasis as he works his way up the secondary rotation, but Williams' closing speed is a crucial facet of his ability to compete with aggressiveness off the snap. He totaled 40 tackles and three interceptions in 2015, per MaxPreps.
40. 4-Star CB Alex Perry, Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Arizona State, Boise State, Colorado and Michigan
Perry can play both zone and man-to-man with equal effectiveness, which bodes well for a faster track to the field in college. Bishop Gorman encounters one of the nation's most arduous out-of-state schedules, and he's largely held up strong against several Division I pass targets. Perry, also an effective blitzer when called upon, chipped in with 73 tackles and four interceptions during the past two seasons.
39. 4-Star CB Elijah Molden, West Linn High School (West Linn, Oregon)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Oregon, Stanford, USC and Washington
An athlete who could progress at cornerback or safety, Molden stays ahead of the curve with quality pre-snap recognition. Even when beaten by an initial move, his recovery speed and length eliminate space without much lag. He isn't a tall defender (5'10") but exhibits excellent upper-body reach, which is also utilized when Molden takes on blocks with a bullish mentality. His sensational junior campaign included 61 tackles, 1,547 offensive yards and 23 total touchdowns, per MaxPreps.
38. 4-Star CB Justin Broiles, John Marshall High School (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oklahoma
Broils packs a punch when encountered with tackling opportunities, charging forward with ferocity that leaves an impression he embraces that element of the game. His strengths extend to pass coverage, where plus size (6'0", 175 lbs) and speed combine to give receivers fits downfield. Broils is balanced and long enough to earn reps in a variety of roles, and we wouldn't rule out a future at safety for the Sooners pledge.
37. 4-Star CB Christopher Henderson, Columbus High School (Miami, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Miami
Henderson takes a lot of handoffs at running back for his prep squad and offers value at receiver, though we ultimately project cornerback as an ideal destination in Coral Gables. A long, fluid athlete, he looks natural working through reps at the position, and there is significant room for growth as he concentrates solely on working through fundamentals in defensive coverage.
36. 4-Star S Derrick Tucker, Manvel High School (Manvel, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas A&M
Tucker lays the lumber like a middle linebacker, dislodging the football from pass targets and sending shock waves through an opposing sideline. Depending on how his 6'2", 194-pound frame develops in the coming years, we may eventually see him situated a level closer to scrimmage. Tucker already carries clout as a run-stopper, and his range in pass coverage ideally extends through intermediate reaches at this stage. He totaled 46 tackles and two defensive touchdowns last fall.
35. 4-Star CB Tre Brown, Union High School (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oklahoma
Freakishly fast in short areas or long distance, Brown won't get beat often even as he encounters college football's shiftiest receivers. He uses his body well to shield space in one-on-one coverage, gaining proper leverage at the point of attack. Brown is bound to cause a collection of fumbles throughout his career as he bursts through ball-carriers at 5'11", 178 pounds with elite track speed.
34. 4-Star S Chaz Ah You, Timpview High School (Provo, Utah)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Notre Dame, Oregon, UCLA and Washington
A prototypical safety prospect who should settle in around 6'2", 210 pounds during his college career, Ah You brings balance to the position. His angles of pursuit are sharp in run coverage, and he's fundamentally solid while bringing ball-carriers to the ground. Downfield, he's got some dog to him with a tough approach against receivers of all sizes. Ah You tallied 48 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions in 2015, per MaxPreps.
33. 4-Star CB Marcus Williamson, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
Williamson, one of three IMG Academy athletes featured here among defensive backs, is a bit diminutive at 5'9", but he's a hyper-athletic cornerback with leaping abilities that help overcome height disadvantage in one-on-one settings. Instinctual and aggressive, Williamson could emerge as a special teams ace and effective slot corner.
32. 4-Star S Isaiah Pola-Mao, Mountain Pointe High School (Phoenix, Arizona)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Arizona, Arizona State, Notre Dame, USC and Washington
Pola-Mao was a major breakout performer at The Opening, and his ensuing surge up composite rankings reflected that effort. Standing 6'4", 190 pounds, he is among the most unique athletes in this class and looks capable of remaining—and thriving—in the secondary during his college career. Eager to lend support near the line of scrimmage or patiently sit back in a roving role, this tantalizing prospect provides immense promise as a multiyear starter who is still just scratching the surface of his potential. Pola-Mao compiled 98 tackles and four interceptions as a junior, per MaxPreps.
31. 4-Star S Daniel Wright, Boyd Anderson High School (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Florida State
The first of two Seminoles safety commits on this list, Wright is a well-built (6'1", 187 lbs) defender who battles for space in pass coverage without grabbing jersey. Able to turn and burst with ease, he balances sheer physicality with some finesse moves. His presence is apparent near the line of scrimmage, where Wright wreaks havoc with run-stuffing efforts. He secured 72 tackles and four interceptions last season, according to Phil Kornblut of The State.
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30. 4-Star CB Kary Vincent, Memorial High School (Port Arthur, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to LSU
Freshly committed to the Tigers, Vincent will bring a skill set to Baton Rouge that lives up to the lauded "DBU" aura. He's at an elite level in terms of speed, which shines in straight-line downfield pursuit, route coverage and on special teams in a kick returner role. This acceleration is his greatest trait, but Vincent is also content to disrupt rushing lanes, though additional bulk is needed to deal with SEC wear and tear. He produced 51 tackles and five interceptions last fall.
29. 4-Star CB William Poole III, Hapeville Charter High School (Atlanta, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia
Though he remains rather lean at 5'11 ½", 180 pounds, Poole is a pest in run coverage and forces blockers to put in extra work to keep him away from the action. A natural man-to-man defender, his closing speed enables him to bait quarterbacks into ill-advised attempts, and a long reach helps finish the job. Given Poole's anticipation and quality tackling, he's a realistic contender to earn early reps in head coach Kirby Smart's defense.
28. 4-Star CB Amir Riep, Colerain High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
Buckeyes commits are scattered throughout this list, and Riep is the most recent addition to head coach Urban Meyer's haul in the defensive backfield following a July 23 verbal pledge. He blankets receivers with elite change-of-direction abilities and is especially adept in boundary coverage. Riep's penchant for rapidly locating the ball in downfield coverage should set the stage for several interception opportunities at Ohio State.
27. 4-Star S Bubba Bolden, Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Arizona State, Colorado, Florida, Ole Miss and USC
Bolden is an assassin in the secondary for national title contender Bishop Gorman, halting drives and shutting down No. 1 receiving threats with regularity. His skills were on full display at The Opening, where he looked like one of America's truly elite ball hawks. His 6'3", 190-pound frame makes him a formidable force against tight ends and in rush defense. Bolden, a former USC commit, collected 55 tackles and three interceptions last fall.
26. 4-Star S Robert Barnes, Southlake Carroll High School (Southlake, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oklahoma
The top-rated of three Sooners pledges on this list, Barnes brings the pain as a secondary enforcer. Reminiscent of a linebacker in run diagnoses, this 6'3", 194-pound playmaker fills holes in a hurry and tackles with well-versed form. His ability to cover intermediate and deep-range pass attempts with authority will be Barnes' biggest challenge in college, but overall athleticism and effort suggest he's up to the task. His 2015 season featured a career-high 101 tackles, per MaxPreps.
25. 4-Star S Xavier McKinney, Roswell High School (Roswell, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Georgia
McKinney, who decommitted from the Crimson Tide in mid-July, is a weapon on defense and special teams. He's a blur as a return man, and this quickness naturally aids him in pass coverage. Adept in blitzer roles, McKinney sniffs out run plays and finishes with authority at 6'1", 192 pounds. His headline-grabbing junior campaign included 111 tackles, 13 pass breakups and nine interceptions, according to MaxPreps.
24. 4-Star CB Deon Jones, Potomac High School (Oxon Hill, Maryland)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Maryland
Jones is a rangy cover corner who stands 6'1" and commands attention for advanced physical development. His technique in pass coverage requires substantial polish in order for coaches to trust him as a linchpin against opposing Big Ten offenses, but he has the makings of a well-rounded defender who provides an asset in run support.
23. 4-Star S Brendon White, Olentangy Liberty High School (Powell, Ohio)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
White also drew collegiate interest at receiver, but safety is clearly his strong suit moving forward. Standing 6'1 ½", 200 pounds, he won't be bullied by bigger receivers and flashes the athleticism necessary to deal with opponents who bring some wiggle to game action. White, a Buckeyes legacy who charts the ball's trajectory with consistent effort and natural instincts, offers perhaps the highest ceiling of any safety on this list.
22. 4-Star CB Ambry Thomas, Martin Luther King High School (Detroit, Michigan)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Florida, Michigan, Michigan State and Notre Dame
Thomas was an alpha dog at The Opening, where he earned all-tournament honors after racking up 33.8 yards per reception with four touchdown catches. His aerial efforts extend to defense, where he approaches and high-points the football with the same ferocity. A quick-twitch athlete with smooth hips, Thomas can contend and mirror a variety of opponents at cornerback if that's his ultimate landing spot in college.
21. 4-Star CB Chevin Calloway, Bishop Dunne High School (Dallas, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Iowa
Calloway stands out with his form as a tackler in open space, and this polished use of technique extends into pass coverage. The Lone Star State stud executes efforts smoothly whether he's playing off or in a man-to-man setting, able to rely on speed for makeup yardage as a play progresses. Calloway commonly gets his mitts on multiple pass attempts per game, though opposing quarterbacks rarely target him in high volume.
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20. 4-Star CB Jaylon Johnson, Central East High School (Fresno, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Cal, Oklahoma and USC
Johnson registered one of the most impressive performances at his position during The Opening's regional slate, claiming "fastest man" honors and defensive back MVP in Oakland, California. His range extends from the line of scrimmage to deep pockets in pass coverage, and he consistently maintains leverage in run support.
19. 4-Star CB Deommodore Lenoir, Bishop Mora Salesian High School (Los Angeles, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oregon
Lenoir warrants consideration as one of the West Coast's most compelling defensive prospects, as he competes with an edge despite still being in the relatively early stages of overall physical development. Strong technique and outstanding quickness enable him to handle speedy receivers in a straight-line footrace or atop routes. His junior campaign included 48 tackles and 12 total touchdowns, per MaxPreps.
18. 4-Star S Grant Delpit, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to LSU
Delpit presents a unique matchup at 6'3 ½", cutting off angles with physicality and filling windows with long arms. He can roam deep in a "center field" role, providing above-average range and instincts in pass coverage. A sound tackler in open space, Delpit can serve as a perfect complement to the stockpile of elite cornerbacks Tigers coaches have assembled in Baton Rouge.
17. 4-Star S Paris Ford, Steel Valley High School (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Pittsburgh
Ford, who has added offers from Florida, Florida State and Alabama since his pledge to Pitt, is also a Power Five-level recruit at receiver and brings superior ball skills to the secondary. A punishing tackler with big-play potential off turnovers, he has the makings of a perennial all-conference contender with his hometown school. Ford recorded 99 tackles, three sacks, seven interceptions and 23 touchdown catches during the 2014 and '15 campaigns, per MaxPreps.
16. 4-Star S Todd Harris, Plaquemine High School (Plaquemine, Louisiana)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Arkansas, LSU and Ole Miss
Balance should help Harris surge toward the top of a collegiate depth chart early, with either safety spot serving as a possibility. He covers pass attempts with cornerback range and regularly creates vicious collisions that can rally a defense. Harris, who impressed in downfield coverage throughout The Opening's New Orleans regional showcase, collected 165 tackles, 38 pass breakups and six interceptions during the past two seasons.
15. 4-Star S Cyrus Fagan, Mainland High School (Daytona Beach, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Florida State
It's imperative for any dominant defense to come equipped with tone-setters in the secondary. The Seminoles landed one in Fagan, a thumper who handles open-field encounters well (151 tackles since 2014) and dishes out jarring hits to dislodge the ball from receivers' grasp. Pass-coverage skills will be a point of emphasis for improvement moving forward, but he will have at least one season to learn under Florida State stud Derwin James.
14. 4-Star CB AJ Terrell, Westlake High School (Atlanta, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina
Elite length is the most compelling element of Terrell's athletic arsenal, setting him up well to provide a physical presence upon snaps. He thrives in press coverage and does a great job extending his hands through the ball in contested areas. Terrell tallied 53 tackles, 16 pass breakups, two interceptions and five touchdown receptions in 2015, per MaxPreps.
13. 4-Star S Maleik Gray, La Vergne High School (La Vergne, Tennessee)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Tennessee
Standing 6'2", 187 pounds, Gray is a persistent force in rush defense, finding his way to the ball with regularity while patrolling the second level. He has the ball skills and athleticism to stick with a variety of receivers in pass coverage and can also impact the quarterback as an effective blitzer on occasion. Gray recorded 57 tackles—10 for loss—and two sacks last season, according to Tom Kreager of the Tennessean.
12. 4-Star CB Lamont Wade, Clairton High School (Clairton, Pennsylvania)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Ohio State, Penn State and West Virginia
Despite his stature (5'9", 185 lbs), Wade embraces tasks in run support and takes on blocks with violence. He's adept at reading the backfield and follows a quarterback's progression while maintaining stride-for-stride coverage downfield. His transition from direction change to full speed sets him apart from much of the pack in an impressive cornerback class.
11. 4-star CB Jamyest Williams, Grayson High School (Loganville, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, South Carolina and Tennessee
Williams draws strong comparisons to former LSU star and current Arizona Cardinals standout Tyrann Mathieu due to his fiery bulldog mentality at 5'9". Arguably the most aggressive defensive back in this class, the Peach State playmaker is a top-five prospect at his position in our estimation, and he also provides value as a dangerous special teams returner. Williams rushed for 1,249 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2015, per MaxPreps.
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10. 4-Star CB Thomas Graham
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Height/Weight: 5'11", 175 lbs
High School: Rancho Cucamonga (Rancho Cucamonga, California)
Composite Ranking: No. 6 cornerback, No. 49 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Arizona, Notre Dame, Oregon and UCLA
Thomas Graham committed to nearby USC in February but never seemed 100 percent certain of his choice, leaving options open as the spring progressed. He completely reopened the process in April and has since received offers from Alabama and Oregon.
He may ultimately spend his collegiate career against the Trojans with UCLA, which is a runaway favorite in Graham's 247Sports crystal ball. Among programs beyond state borders, Notre Dame is likely to provide the Bruins with the fiercest competition for a commitment.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Physical from the snap through whistle, yet not grabby, Graham grades as highly in pass coverage (38/40) as any cornerback we scouted for this series. He breaks on passes swiftly and decisively, erasing space with top-notch closing speed (18/20).
There's enough length to Graham's physique for him to grapple with receivers who check in at 6'2" or taller, while hip fluidity makes him flexible enough to handle duties against shiftier opponents outside or in the slot. He served up several shutdown games last season, tallying 103 tackles, 15 pass breakups, four fumble recoveries and an 82-yard interception return for a touchdown, according to MaxPreps.
9. 4-Star S Isaiah Pryor
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Height/Weight: 6'1 ½", 195 lbs
High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
Composite Ranking: No. 4 safety, No. 45 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
Isaiah Pryor piled up more than 40 scholarship opportunities before hopping on the Buckeyes' bandwagon last summer. His July 27 commitment occurred after several visits elsewhere, including campus stops at Texas, Stanford, Florida, Georgia, USC and UCLA.
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer holds a pair of pledges from top-10 prospects on this list. One is Pryor, who added offers from Alabama and LSU earlier this year.
Bleacher Report Analysis
The son of a former Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman, Pryor is prepared to make his own impact in the Big Ten. He competes with the size and ferocity of a linebacker but lends pass coverage (23/25) with cornerback skills.
Among the most versatile defenders you'll find in this class, he could eventually bulk up to play linebacker (28/30), but he already has an apparent comfort level at the back end of a defensive attack. Pryor, who transferred to IMG Academy from Archer High School (Georgia) for his senior season, secured 68 tackles and nine pass breakups, per MaxPreps.
8. 4-Star S Devon Hunter
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Height/Weight: 6’1”, 205 lbs
High School: Indian River (Chesapeake, Virginia)
Composite Ranking: No. 3 safety, No. 38 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Clemson, Florida, North Carolina and Virginia Tech
For years, Virginia has been a haven for out-of-state programs hoping to poach blue-chip talents to their respective campuses. New Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente aims to reverse that trend by keeping Devon Hunter home.
Fuente faces a challenge from College Football Playoff contenders Alabama and Clemson, while conference foe UNC has hosted Hunter on campus multiple times during recent months.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hunter is a supreme athlete who could probably carve out a collegiate role at multiple positions on either side of the football. At safety, he is an intimidating presence who must be accounted for by offensive coaches in every facet of the game.
Effective in run coverage (23/25), his efforts in the box routinely mirror those of a linebacker and he is a stout tackler. Even when initially beaten in pass coverage, Hunter shows the hustle, recovery quickness and ball skills (18/20) to make amends. His junior campaign included 91 tackles, 11 pass breakups and three interceptions, per Anthony Brown of SB Nation.
7. 4-Star CB Deangelo Gibbs
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Height/Weight: 6’2”, 204 lbs
High School: Grayson (Loganville, Georgia)
Composite Ranking: No. 5 cornerback, No. 37 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Georgia, Tennessee and Texas
In-state Georgia and SEC rival Tennessee have consistently been mentioned among contenders here since the conception of a widespread process. His cousin, coveted 2016 defensive back Nigel Warrior, signed with the Volunteers last cycle.
While this shapes up as a conference clash, Deangelo Gibbs also expressed interest in spending time at Texas during a recent conversation with EJ Holland of 247Sports.
Bleacher Report Analysis
A technician in coverage, Gibbs equips his defensive unit with reliable downfield coverage (37/40) and possesses the necessary hands to pluck interceptions in bunches. His length is a major asset, as he uses that reach to jam receivers at the line and disrupt passing lanes.
Coaches can count on him to body up bigger receivers, but Gibbs can also handle duties against speedier opponents due to impressive acceleration (18/20 speed). Opponents will struggle to shy away from him this fall when he teams up with new Grayson High School teammate and fellow 4-star cornerback Jamyest Williams.
6. 5-Star S JaCoby Stevens
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Height/Weight: 6’2”, 200 lbs
High School: Oakland High School (Murfreesboro, Tennessee)
Composite Ranking: No. 2 safety, No. 25 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, LSU and Tennessee
JaCoby Stevens initially committed to LSU in September but backed out of his pledge prior to season's end. The Tigers remain a contender for his signature, but competition is prevalent across the SEC, with rivals Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee seen as realistic destinations.
He specifically identified the Bulldogs as his leader on multiple occasions this spring, but things seem to be on an even playing field among top options.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Stevens has the skills to become a big-time pass target in college, but safety is the spot that ultimately maximizes his strongest traits best. A balanced comfort level in run support and pass coverage (47/50) added up to create a monster defensive campaign last season.
He compiled 84 tackles—8.5 for loss—and six interceptions as a junior, according to Tom Kreager of the Daily News Journal. Stevens' presence near the line of scrimmage or deep downfield provides a compelling dynamic to any defensive strategy, while his offensive prowess (25.2 yards per catch with 11 touchdown receptions) also warrants a long look.
5. 5-Star S Richard LeCounte III
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Height/Weight: 5’10 ½”, 174 lbs
High School: Liberty County (Riceboro, Georgia)
Composite Ranking: No. 1 safety, No. 24 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia
New Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart hit an absolute home run with his first 2017 commitment in Athens, landing in-state stud Richard LeCounte III within two weeks of his arrival. Before pulling the trigger on a pledge to Georgia, this Peach State playmaker became familiar with Smart on Alabama's staff and also considered scholarship offers from Florida State, Ohio State, Clemson and Miami.
Bleacher Report Analysis
LeCounte is exactly the kind of athlete coaches want patrolling "center field." He operates like a shutdown cornerback in pass coverage (24/25) and instantly shifts into a hard-charging cruise missile upon identifying run efforts toward his direction (23/25).
A quick-trigger athlete and decisive defender, LeCounte made multiple acrobatic interceptions at The Opening, where he solidified a rise into 5-star territory. His dominant 2015 season featured 100 tackles—12 for loss—10 pass breakups, two interceptions and 15 total touchdowns, according to MaxPreps.
4. 5-Star CB Stanford Samuels III
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Height/Weight: 6’2”, 175 lbs
High School: Flanagan (Hollywood, Florida)
Composite Ranking: No. 4 cornerback, No. 22 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Florida State
Since his father once starred as a cornerback at Florida State, the rest of college football faced an uphill battle recruiting Stanford Samuels III. The younger Samuels flirted with programs such as Alabama, Georgia and Michigan before committing to the Seminoles in June.
He's since become one of the more vocal recruiters for the 'Noles and is actively trying to lure other talented standouts to join him in Tallahassee, as Josh Newberg of 247Sports detailed.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Don't expect Samuels to spend much time in his dad's shadow at Florida State, where he should fight for an immediate role among a star-studded defensive secondary. Sensational skills were most recently on display at The Opening, where Samuels consistently put clamps on his side of the field (38/40 pass coverage) and produced one of the event's top plays with a one-handed end-zone interception.
While several other top-rated cornerbacks in this class measure in under 6'0", Samuels may arrive in Tallahassee pushing 6'3". This length limits available windows for quarterbacks to exploit, while top-notch ball skills (19/20) make passing toward his terrain a risky proposition.
3. 5-Star CB Shaun Wade
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Height/Weight: 6’1”, 177 lbs
High School: Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, Florida)
Composite Ranking: No. 3 cornerback, No. 17 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
Committed to the Buckeyes since January 2015, Shaun Wade continues to attract suitors from across America. If he opts out of his long-term pact with Ohio State, look for Notre Dame and Alabama to emerge as main fallback plans. But both have work to do to flip a player who pledged to head coach Urban Meyer shortly after his sophomore season.
Bleacher Report Analysis
This long, rangy cornerback maximizes his size in pass coverage (38/40), blanketing receivers downfield with a desirable wingspan and above-average speed (18/20). Wade has ball-hawk potential when his awareness shines through downfield, and he's developed a keen sense for baiting quarterbacks.
An acrobatic defender when airborne, he's athletic enough to snag highlight-reel interceptions. Though we love what he brings to the table at cornerback, a successful career at safety could also be in the cards.
2. 5-Star CB Darnay Holmes
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Height/Weight: 5’10”, 190 lbs
High School: Calabasas High School (Calabasas, California)
Composite Ranking: No. 2 cornerback; No. 11 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Stanford and UCLA
Nebraska has maintained momentum targeting premier California prospects, landing commitments from Calabasas High School teammates Tristan Gebbia and Keyshawn Johnson, so keep the Cornhuskers solidly on the radar for Darnay Holmes. Michigan and Ohio State also aim to lure him into Big Ten territory by locking in official visits, while UCLA and Stanford are West Coast contenders to watch.
Bleacher Report Analysis
If anyone on this list is to contribute on both sides of the ball in college, it very well may be Holmes. He caught 144 passes for 2,236 yards and 25 scores during the past two seasons, per MaxPreps, yet sits atop a talented collection of cornerbacks.
A well-balanced, quick-twitch athlete, Holmes is equipped to cover the run (18/20) and pass (37/40) with authority. An explosive finisher at the point of contention, he is capable of plucking or dislodging passes whenever quarterbacks test his territory.
Holmes, who made The Opening all-tournament team as an "athlete," has the makings of one of the sport's most scintillating all-around talents. His performance at The Opening included a 4.32-second 40-yard dash, which tied for fastest time of the showcase.
1. 5-Star CB Jeffrey Okudah
13 of 13Height/Weight: 6’1 ½”, 190 lbs
High School: South Grand Prairie (Grand Prairie, Texas)
Composite Ranking: No. 1 cornerback; No. 5 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma and USC
Jeffrey Okudah, who claims more than 30 offers, narrowed his list of favorites to six schools earlier this month. Oklahoma is the most recent university to host him on campus, but according to 247Sports' crystal ball, Ohio State is considered a strong favorite to swipe him away from the Lone Star State.
He told B/R that former Florida State standout Jalen Ramsey is a defensive back he specifically admires so, considering Okudah's similar reputation as a versatile secondary star, don't be surprised if the Seminoles remain in this race.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Impressive mental maturity and a well-developed physical frame help place Okudah in the upper echelon of defenders, but it's ultimately versatility that sets him apart. He has the makings of a dominant force at both safety and cornerback, where he took plentiful reps at The Opening.
Aggressive and ambitious as a tackler (28/30), Okudah can become a linchpin in run support (24/25) at the back end of a collegiate defensive attack. He can help shut things down near scrimmage while lined up in the box or roam freely downfield and comfortably take down opponents in space.
His pass coverage (23/25) also shines, as he uses a large frame and solid speed (4.49 40-yard dash at The Opening) to shut down receivers with regularity. If Okudah stays healthy, he's one of the most likely athletes on this list to land in a key role during his first collegiate campaign.
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